ABUJA, Nigeria (FN) — Social media activist Vincent Martins Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan, has stirred controversy by claiming the Nigerian government has no intention of releasing Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), despite ongoing legal proceedings and mounting public pressure.
In a video posted Thursday, VeryDarkMan alleged that Kanu’s continued detention is politically motivated, suggesting that authorities plan to keep him incarcerated until he is “too old to cause trouble.” His remarks come amid renewed protests and legal developments surrounding Kanu’s case, which has drawn international attention.
Justice James Omotosho of the Federal High Court in Abuja recently ordered Kanu to open his defense on terrorism-related charges by October 24, warning that failure to do so would be considered a waiver of his legal rights. The judge rejected Kanu’s request for a three-month adjournment, citing the court’s accelerated trial schedule.
Kanu, who has dismissed his legal team and opted to represent himself, continues to challenge the court’s jurisdiction. His legal battles have been marked by delays, judicial recusals, and allegations of bias, including a petition to the National Judicial Council against Justice Binta Nyako.
Prominent activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore led a “Free Nnamdi Kanu” protest in Abuja earlier this week, despite attempts by the Nigeria Police Force to halt the demonstration. A federal judge denied the police’s motion to block the protest, affirming the right to peaceful assembly.
Sowore criticized the government’s handling of Kanu’s case, calling it a threat to civil liberties. “This is not just about one man. It’s about the erosion of democratic rights and the weaponization of the judiciary,” he said
The federal government has not responded directly to VeryDarkMan’s claims. However, officials have denied rumors of a coup attempt and rejected speculation linking the cancellation of Nigeria’s 65th Independence Day celebrations to instability within the military.
Supporters of Kanu continue to cite a 2022 Court of Appeal ruling that discharged him of all charges due to the illegality of his extradition from Kenya. The government has appealed the decision and insists on pursuing prosecution.
As tensions rise, observers warn that the case remains a flashpoint for ethnic, political, and civil rights debates in Nigeria, with implications for national unity and democratic governance.
