Renowned journalist, youth advocate and editor-in-chief of Premier World News, Wasiu Adekunle Adejumo, popularly known as ‘Westo’, has joined the growing number of Nigerians condemning the arrest and continued detention of ‘VeryDarkMan’ (VDM), describing the action as unlawful and a clear attempt to suppress voices championing social justice.
In a strong statement released on Monday, ‘Westo’ expressed deep concern over what he called "brutal intimidation" of a fellow youth who has used his voice and platform to speak on national issues and challenge societal wrongs.
Westo also expressed dissatisfaction over the role of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in the arrest, questioning the agency's jurisdiction in a case that lacks any financial crime context.
"As a journalist, youth advocate and social activist myself, I find VDM's arrest deeply troubling. It is a brutal intimidation. Like me, VDM represents the frustrated voices of Nigerian youths who seek justice, accountability and a better society”, Westo said.
“His arrest by the EFCC; an agency tasked with investigating financial crime, lacks legal clarity and due process. Why the EFCC? Why not the DSS or the Police, if truly there were grounds for arrest?”. The involvement of the EFCC raises serious concerns about the misuse of institutions to intimidate voices that speak boldly”, Westo added.
He further stressed that the use of state institutions to silence critics is a dangerous trend that threatens democracy, especially when carried out without transparency.
“VDM’s voice may be unconventional, but it speaks to the truth many fear to say. Intimidating him is intimidating all of us who dare to speak up. This is a fight for justice and freedom of expression”, Westo asserted.
He called on civil society, the media and all young Nigerians to stand in solidarity and resist attempts to suppress free speech, warning that silence today may cost the nation its democratic future.
“I have a mandate to speak truth to power, just like VDM has done courageously. His arrest is not just about him, it is about all of us. Every young Nigerian who speaks up for justice should be alarmed”, Westo concluded.
