Martins Vincent Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has criticised supporters of activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore following a scuffle that broke out at a courthouse during Sowore’s appearance in a case involving remarks in which he allegedly described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a criminal.
Videos circulating online showed some of Sowore’s supporters arguing and physically confronting one another outside the court, eliciting reactions from bystanders and activists.
One of the supporters who decried the incident claimed that the internal conflict undercut the gathering’s objective.
“Go home safely, they are now fighting themselves. This is very bad. How will the government take us seriously? We came for a peaceful protest and ended up fighting ourselves.”
In a video published on social media, VeryDarkMan questioned why individuals who had congregated to support Sowore would turn violent against one another.
“You said you came to stand in solidarity with Omoyele Sowore, so why are you fighting yourselves?” he asked.
He claimed that some people attended the court proceedings not to show true support for the activist, but to generate content for social media.
According to him, several fans defied previous warnings not to hinder entry to the court grounds.
In another viral video cited by VeryDarkMan, one supporter was heard cheering the blockage of the court entry while requesting Sowore’s freedom.
The activist contended that such activities could harm other court users and provide authorities with justification to strengthen security measures.
He noted that the Federal High Court has many courtrooms that handle different cases at the same time and cautioned that noise and disruption could disrupt judicial processes.
“The judges do not like distractions or noise while presiding over cases,” he said, adding that excessive disturbances could force security personnel to restrict access to the premises.
VeryDarkMan advised supporters attending Sowore’s next court appearance on June 30 to be peaceful, organised, and law-abiding.
He asked demonstrators not to obstruct entrances or disturb court proceedings, emphasising that all citizens have the right to use government facilities and attend their own cases.
According to him, exercising the right to protest should not jeopardise the rights of others.
He also expressed confidence that Sowore’s legal concerns would be resolved satisfactorily, and urged fans to continue displaying solidarity in a coordinated and nonviolent manner.
“If you go to court on the 30th, please stand coordinated, observe the process and avoid giving anyone an opportunity to use your actions against the movement,” he said.
Watch the video below;