Nigerians are jubilant as popular social media critic Verydarkman has reportedly regained his freedom.
His release follows a high-profile legal battle that saw him arraigned by the Nigeria Police Force on five counts of cyberstalking.
Initially, the police prosecution sought to have Verydarkman remanded in prison custody. However, his legal team, including prominent lawyer Deji Adeyanju, successfully petitioned for him to be held in police custody instead.
The court granted this request, and Verydarkman was taken to the National Cybercrime Centre.
Deji Adeyanju also filed for bail on Verydarkman’s behalf, but the prosecution requested more time to respond, leading Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon of the Federal High Court to adjourn the bail hearing to today, June 10.
This morning, a significant development unfolded as Verydarkman arrived at court alongside Adeyanju, with supporters and spectators eagerly awaiting the hearing’s outcome.
The courtroom was filled with anticipation, reflecting the high public interest in the case.
As the proceedings commenced, many Nigerians, both present in the court and following the events online, expressed their support for Verydarkman, demonstrating the widespread impact of his social media presence and the resonance of his criticisms.
The case against Verydarkman, centered on cyberstalking, highlights the ongoing tensions between freedom of expression and legal boundaries in Nigeria’s digital space.
His supporters argue that his critiques are a vital part of public discourse, while authorities view his actions as crossing legal limits.
His release has sparked celebrations among his supporters, who sees it as a triumph of justice and a reaffirmation of the right to free expression.
Read some of reactions below:
Dafe: “One thing for sure, baba didn’t think he was going to be in there this long.”
OLA MI LEKAN: “They can imprison his body but they can’t capture his soul good to have him back”
Prince Charles:: “Na wa. See the way Nigerians forgot about this guy. This life ehn…na per head o”
Osas:: “Na very darkman Dey learn the hard way o, in and out of prison all the time”