Controversial Nigerian singer Speed Darlington has slammed fans who urged him to join the ongoing protest calling for the release of detained social media activist, VeryDarkMan (real name Martins Vincent Otse).

VeryDarkMan was reportedly arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) last Friday, sparking widespread demonstrations among Nigerian youths demanding his release.

During a recent Instagram live session, Speed Darlington expressed outrage after some viewers encouraged him to lend his voice to the #FreeVDM campaign. He criticized the perceived hypocrisy, pointing out that no one rallied behind him during his own legal troubles.

“Did any of you protest when I was locked up? God punish you!” he fumed. “You come to my page to insult me. Your mates are out there hustling, doing something with their lives.”

His remarks have since triggered mixed reactions online. While some netizens supported his position, others accused him of lacking empathy and refusing to show solidarity.

Reactions included:

  • @nbachaselee_: “VDM supported Akpi during his time in cell.”

  • @obaino_: “Stupid people saying he’s not important and that’s why nobody protested. So why go to his page to ask him to protest? Dude was unjustly and illegally detained for weeks while people laughed at the illegality.”

Speed Darlington’s fiery response adds another layer to the ongoing discourse around VDM’s detention and celebrity involvement in social justice causes.

Watch video below.

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