Abubakar warns claim could endanger critic, urges Presidency to act and protect citizens’ right to dissent

Marshal D.F. Abubakar has called for an immediate apology and formal investigation into presidential aide Bayo Onanuga over allegations linking social media critic Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), to a purported fake audio involving President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

In a Facebook statement, Abubakar accused Onanuga of disseminating false information through a tweet posted on May 27, 2026, describing the claim as reckless and potentially dangerous. He warned that such an allegation could expose VDM to arrest, prosecution, or public backlash without due cause.

Abubakar stressed that Nigerians must be free to criticise government actions, challenge policies, and advocate political change, as long as such expressions do not incite violence. He cautioned against the misuse of state influence to target dissenting voices.

He also criticised what he described as Onanuga’s shift from a pro-democracy advocate during Nigeria’s military era to a defender of government excesses, arguing that public officials must uphold higher standards of responsibility.

According to Abubakar, sensitive claims—especially those with potential legal implications—must be thoroughly verified before being made public. He urged the Presidency to distance itself from the statement and impose sanctions if it is proven that the public was misled.

Abubakar added that VDM retains the right to pursue legal action to clear his name and seek redress over any reputational damage.