Social media critic and activist, VeryDarkMan (VDM), has criticised supporters of activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore following a scuffle that broke out 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 within the court premises, prompting reactions from observers and fellow activists.
One supporter who condemned the incident said the altercation defeated the purpose of the gathering and risked undermining the movement’s message.
“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 shared online, VeryDarkMan questioned why individuals who had gathered to support 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 individuals attended the court proceedings not out of genuine support for Sowore, but primarily to create content for social media platforms.
He further claimed that some supporters disregarded earlier warnings not to obstruct access to the court premises.
Referring to another viral video, VeryDarkMan noted that a supporter was seen celebrating the blocking of the court entrance while demanding Sowore’s release.
According to him, such actions could inconvenience other court users and potentially provide authorities with reasons to impose stricter security measures around the judiciary.
READ ALSO: SERAP Urges FG To Release Sowore, Withdraw All Charges
VeryDarkMan stressed that the Federal High Court houses multiple courtrooms handling different matters simultaneously and urged supporters to avoid conduct capable of disrupting judicial proceedings.
“The judges do not like distractions or noise while presiding over cases,” he said.
He warned that excessive noise, disorder and disruptions around the court complex could lead to increased restrictions on access to the premises by security personnel.
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, noting that other citizens also have legitimate reasons to access the courts and attend their own matters.
According to him, the right to protest should be exercised responsibly and in a manner that does 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 and disciplined 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.