VDM Must Face Full Weight of Law Over Alleged Fake Audio Against President Tinubu — Bayo Onanuga

The Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, has said that popular social media activist, Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), should face legal consequences over the alleged dissemination of a fake audio recording linked to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Onanuga made the statement while reacting to the controversy surrounding an audio clip circulating on social media, which government supporters have described as manipulated and misleading.

According to the presidential aide, the spread of false information capable of misleading the public and damaging the image of the President or creating political tension should not be treated lightly.

“VDM needs to face the weight of the law for being the disseminator of a fake audio of President Tinubu,” Onanuga reportedly stated while addressing the matter.

The development has sparked widespread reactions across various social media platforms, with supporters and critics of the government engaging in heated debates over freedom of expressions, misinformation, and accountability in the digital space.

Supporters of the presidency argued that the deliberate circulation of fake or altered materials involving public officials poses a threat to national stability and public trust, insisting that individuals found culpable should be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

Others, however, called for a thorough investigation to establish the authenticity of the audio and determine the extent of VDM’s involvement before any legal action is taken.

Legal analysts say the controversy highlights the growing challenge posed by fake news, deepfake technology, and unverified digital content in Nigeria’s political environment.

Some observers also noted that the increasing influence of social media personalities and online activists has intensified public discourse around governance, transparency, and political accountability.

Meanwhile, neither VeryDarkMan nor his representatives had officially issued a detailed response at the time of filing this report

The incident has continued to generate discussions among Nigerians, with many calling for stronger regulations against misinformation while also stressing the need to protect citizens’ rights to free speech and fair hearing under the law.