Martins Vincent Otse, better known to many as That Very Dark Man (VDM), has finally regained his freedom. This is after being held by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). His release comes after days of public pressure, legal intervention, and strong advocacy from well-known voices in the human rights space.

Taking to his X account, activist and publisher Omoyele Sowore shared the news on Wednesday. He wrote, “Thanks to unrelenting efforts of all, @thatverydarkman has been released from unjust detention at the @officialEFCC! He is with his ebullient lawyer, @adeyanjudeji. #RevolutionNow.”

VDM’s arrest started serious controversy, with many Nigerians questioning the reason behind his sudden detention. His lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, revealed that the EFCC failed to present any formal petition when they picked him up. He described the detention as unlawful and a clear abuse of power. According to Adeyanju, even senior legal figures spoke out. Figures like Femi Falana (SAN) reached out repeatedly to the anti-graft agency in a bid to secure VDM’s release.

While the EFCC eventually admitted to detaining VDM, they claimed the move was in response to multiple petitions. Adding that he was allegedly involved in financial misconduct. Also, they also denied that his arrest had anything to do with his online activism or criticism of their operations.

That explanation, however, did little to calm the storm on social media where many Nigerians viewed his arrest as an attack on freedom of expression.

VDM is popular for his outspoken videos on corruption, injustice, and government abuse. This incident only fueled his growing reputation as a fearless critic of power. His arrest and eventual release have once again brought the EFCC under scrutiny, with many calling for transparency in how the agency handles such cases.

For now, VDM is yet to speak publicly since his release, but all eyes are on what he will say next. Whether or not the EFCC plans to press formal charges remains to be seen. What is clear, though, is that public voices, online solidarity, and legal resistance played a key role in pushing back against what many saw as an unjust arrest.

Nollywood star and comedian Okey Bakassi has been crowned the new king of his hometown, Umuihuocha, in Imo State.

In a video he shared on Tuesday, the actor was officially unveiled as the traditional ruler of the Umuihuocha Autonomous Community in Mbaise, surrounded by family and well-wishers.

Now known as His Royal Highness Eze Okechukwu Onyegbule, the Okwe II of Umuihuocha Obohia, his coronation was a colourful celebration filled with rich Igbo culture, music, and tradition.

Taking to his Instagram, Okey Bakassi gave fans a glimpse of the ceremony, describing it as a “special presentation as king (Eze) of Umuihuocha community.” Interestingly, the actor’s coronation took place just about two weeks after he first revealed that he had been chosen to lead his people.

On May 7, 2025, legendary Indian actor Rajinikanth showed his full support for Operation Sindoor, the military action recently launched by the Indian Armed Forces. This operation was a direct response to the devastating attack on civilians in Pahalgam, which took the lives of 26 people, including 25 Indians and one Nepali national. The attack, attributed to Pakistan-backed terrorist groups, led to the decision to strike terrorist camps and infrastructures in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

Rajinikanth took to social media, posting a heartfelt message of solidarity: “The fighter’s fight begins… No stopping until the mission is accomplished! The entire NATION is with you. @PMOIndia @HMOIndia #OperationSindoor JAI HIND.” His words echoed the collective sentiment of the nation, rallying behind the Armed Forces and reinforcing the unity in times of crisis.

Operation Sindoor focused on neutralizing the terrorist threat with precision.

Also, the Indian Army targeted nine specific locations used by terrorist groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba, ensuring that no Pakistani military sites were involved in the operation. This careful approach was meant to avoid unnecessary civilian casualties and keep the operation measured, yet impactful.

Rajinikanth’s statement didn’t go unnoticed, as other Bollywood stars also voiced their support. Celebrities like Chiranjeevi, Jr. NTR, and Samyuktha took to their social media accounts, offering words of encouragement to the armed forces.

The Pahalgam attack, which had occurred in the scenic Baisaran Valley, deeply shocked the nation, with terrorist activities from groups backed by Pakistan at the heart of the tragedy. In retaliation, Operation Sindoor was designed to take down key terrorist hideouts and prevent any further attacks on Indian soil. The operation was carried out with extreme care, aiming to limit collateral damage while effectively striking at the root of the terrorist networks.