Seun Kuti Alleges Religious and Financial Powers Behind VeryDarkMan’s Arrest
Afrobeat musician and activist Seun Kuti has accused influential religious leaders and financial institutions in Nigeria of orchestrating the arrest of social media commentator VeryDarkMan (VDM), whose recent detention has sparked public outrage.
In a statement made earlier this week, Kuti suggested that the critic’s arrest was not merely a legal matter, but a calculated attempt by powerful figures to suppress dissent. He cited information from human rights advocate and lawyer Deji Adeyanju, who is currently representing both Kuti and VDM in separate legal matters.
“VDM’s lawyer is also my lawyer. We’re in court against GTBank and other banks. I personally believe no bank in Nigeria can be trusted,” Kuti said.
He alleged that Nigeria’s major religious figures are playing a behind-the-scenes role in the case, claiming they are unsettled by VeryDarkMan’s outspokenness. “Just as the Federal Government runs Nigeria, these big pastors run it too. It’s the so-called people of God that are fighting VeryDarkMan for speaking the truth,” he stated.
VeryDarkMan was recently arrested in Abuja by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Though the agency has not issued an official statement detailing the reason for his detention, social media users have continued to demand his release, raising questions about transparency and freedom of speech.
Reports had previously mentioned Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) in connection with the case, though the specifics remain unclear. Meanwhile, speculation has swirled online about an alleged link between VDM’s arrest and a gospel singer believed to be Mercy Chinwo, who is engaged in a public legal dispute with her former label executive, Eezee Tee. No official connection has been confirmed.
Kuti’s comments have added fuel to ongoing concerns about the influence of religious and corporate institutions in shaping public discourse and silencing critics in Nigeria.
