Controversial Nigerian social media commentator Martins Otse, better known as VeryDarkMan, has taken a swipe at participants in the #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest, accusing many of joining the movement for clout rather than genuine concern for justice.

The #FreeNnamdiKanuNow protest, spearheaded by human rights activist Omoyele Sowore, was held to demand the immediate release of Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

Kanu has been in the custody of the Department of State Services (DSS) since his controversial arrest and extradition from Kenya in 2021, facing charges bordering on treason and terrorism.

The protest, which took place in Abuja, ended abruptly after Sowore, his lawyer, and Nnamdi Kanu’s brother were arrested by security operatives.

Their detention reportedly caused the movement to lose steam, with protesters dispersing shortly afterward.

Reacting via an Instagram Live session, Verydarkman criticized the rally’s participants for what he described as “performative activism.” According to him:

“The protest quickly died down. As soon as Sowore was arrested, the crowd dispersed. Why? Because many people didn’t even understand what they were protesting for. They were there for hype and attention, not for the cause itself,” VeryDarkMan said.

Watch the video below

"Nnamdi Kanu protest went down immediately they arrested Sowore because the people don't even know what they're f!ght!ng for. They went to support Sowore because of hype. It's baffling Sowore got arrested and his people went home. You all are pieces of 💩"

— VeryDarkMan pic.twitter.com/drtdLRLk3n

— 𝐀𝐬𝐚𝐤𝐲𝐆𝐑𝐍 (@AsakyGRN) October 29, 2025