The legal representative for recently freed activist Harrison Gwamnishu has launched a scathing attack on popular online commentator Martins Vincent Otse, known as VeryDarkMan (VDM). Barrister Favour Ajuebor strongly criticised VDM for demanding that Gwamnishu provide a public explanation regarding his involvement in the controversial Edo State kidnapping case.
Lawyer Questions VeryDarkMan's 'Audacity'
In a video statement released on Facebook in the days leading up to Harrison Gwamnishu's release from police custody, lawyer Favour Ajuebor expressed his outrage. While acknowledging that public accountability is not inherently wrong, Ajuebor took serious issue with VDM's specific demand for an explanation from his client.
The barrister directly challenged the internet personality's authority, asking, "Please, who are you, VeryDarkMan?" He expressed astonishment at what he termed the "audacity" of mandating Gwamnishu to explain events to the world at VDM's instance.
'Illiterate' Label and Disputed Arrest Claims
Ajuebor's criticism escalated as he questioned VDM's mental state and literacy. "I am tempted to call you an illiterate. It is either you are an illiterate or your mental state should be examined," the lawyer stated in his viral video address.
He also directly countered VDM's previous claims of being instrumental in Gwamnishu's arrest. Ajuebor asserted that he never saw the online commentator at the police station to give any statement, contradicting VDM's narrative. The arrest, according to the lawyer's account, did not happen at VDM's instance as claimed.
Gwamnishu's Release and Public Reaction
This legal rebuke came shortly before Harrison Gwamnishu's release from Edo State police custody in December 2025. Upon regaining his freedom, Gwamnishu clarified that he was not arrested but voluntarily presented himself for investigation. He noted the matter was under review by the Directorate of Public Prosecution and had not been charged to court.
The lawyer's strong remarks sparked significant reactions on social media. Comments ranged from support for Ajuebor's stance to warnings that engaging with VDM could backfire. One user, Bello Dan-unique Danladi, cautioned, "...by the time vdm start bringing evidence about Harrison it will not be easy with him anymore." Others, like Fada John Anointing Ogbolu, dismissed VDM as "empty" and making the loudest noise.
The clash highlights the growing tension between traditional activism, legal processes, and the influence of social media commentators in Nigeria's public discourse, particularly around sensitive issues like kidnapping and security.
