Social media critic and activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has criticised supporters of activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore following a scuffle that erupted outside a court during Sowore’s appearance in a case linked to comments in which he allegedly described President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a criminal.

Videos circulating on social media showed some of Sowore’s supporters arguing and physically confronting one another at the court premises, sparking reactions from observers and fellow activists.

One supporter who condemned the incident said the altercation undermined the purpose of the gathering.

“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,” the supporter said.

Reacting in a video posted online, VeryDarkMan questioned why individuals who had gathered to show solidarity with Sowore would engage in violence among themselves.

“You said you came to stand in solidarity with Omoyele Sowore, so why are you fighting yourselves?” he asked.

The activist alleged that some people attended the court proceedings not because they genuinely supported Sowore, but because they wanted to create content for social media.

He also claimed that some supporters ignored earlier warnings not to obstruct access to the court premises.

In another viral clip referenced by VeryDarkMan, a supporter was seen celebrating the blocking of the court entrance while demanding Sowore’s release.

VeryDarkMan argued that such actions could inconvenience other court users and potentially provide authorities with justification to impose stricter security measures.

According to him, the Federal High Court accommodates several courtrooms handling different matters simultaneously, making it important for supporters to avoid actions that could disrupt judicial proceedings.

“The judges do not like distractions or noise while presiding over cases,” he said.

He warned that excessive noise and disturbances around the court complex could lead security personnel to further restrict access to the premises.

Ahead of Sowore’s next court appearance scheduled for June 30, VeryDarkMan urged supporters to remain peaceful, organised and law-abiding.

He advised protesters against blocking entrances or interfering with court activities, stressing that other citizens also have a right to access public institutions and attend their own cases.

According to him, the right to protest should be exercised responsibly and should not infringe on the rights of others.

VeryDarkMan also expressed hope that Sowore’s legal challenges would be resolved positively and encouraged supporters to continue demonstrating solidarity in a coordinated 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. (Arise News)

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