May 29, 2026 | SUNTV Global Channel
A legal representative of controversial social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has called for the investigation and prosecution of Presidential aide, Bayo Onanuga, over what he described as “false, misleading and provocative” comments targeted at his client.
The lawyer, Marshal Abubakar, made the demand in a strongly-worded statement issued on Friday, accusing the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Information and Strategy of spreading misinformation and promoting divisive rhetoric.
Abubakar criticised Onanuga for allegedly calling for the prosecution of VeryDarkMan over a controversial audio clip that reportedly used President Tinubu’s voice.
According to the lawyer, it was disappointing to see a former pro-democracy activist and veteran journalist, once known for confronting military dictatorship, now defending what he described as “government repression and intolerance.”
He recalled Onanuga’s role during Nigeria’s military era, including his activism under the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), stating that the presidential spokesman had abandoned the democratic principles he once fought for.
“It is disheartening that a man who once risked detention and exile fighting tyranny is now defending oppression and attacking citizens for expressing dissent,” Abubakar stated.
The lawyer further maintained that Nigerians have a constitutional right to freedom of expression and peaceful criticism of government policies without intimidation or threats of prosecution.
Citing both local and international legal authorities, including the famous Redmond-Bate v DPP judgment and Nigerian court decisions such as IGP v ANPP and Arthur Nwankwo v The State, Abubakar argued that free speech must not be criminalised simply because it is uncomfortable to those in power.
He accused officials within the current administration of allegedly attempting to silence critical voices and suppress public dissent.
Abubakar also called on the Presidency to publicly distance itself from Onanuga’s comments and impose sanctions on him for allegedly misleading the public and causing embarrassment to the government.
According to him, the presidential aide’s statements may violate provisions of the Cybercrimes Act relating to the spread of false information through electronic communication.
The lawyer additionally referenced some of Onanuga’s past social media comments, including remarks allegedly linked to ethnic and political tensions during the 2023 elections, describing them as “xenophobic and inflammatory.”
He insisted that if found guilty under the law, appropriate legal penalties should be applied.
Abubakar further disclosed that VeryDarkMan reserves the right to pursue civil legal action over the matter.
The controversy comes amid increasing political tension and heated debates surrounding freedom of speech, online activism, and the relationship between government officials and critics on social media.
