VeryDarkMan reacts to Bolt driver's apology to Honourable Ikwechegh, as lawyer Deji Adeyanju withdraws legal representation.
In response to Abuwatseya’s apology, popular social commentator and activist, VeryDarkMan (VDM), released a video detailing what he described as "behind-the-scenes" happenings in the case.
According to VDM, both parties had previously agreed to a settlement, which involved Honourable Ikwechegh compensating Abuwatseya with a sum of ₦5 million and a Toyota car. This settlement, VDM revealed, was originally set at ₦20 million but was eventually negotiated down after pleas from Ikwechegh’s friends and relatives.
VDM went on to express disappointment and frustration with how events unfolded after the agreement. He stated that he was sidelined by Abuwatseya following the settlement, only learning about the completion of the transaction after it had already been finalized. To his dismay, he even heard that Abuwatseya had been seen celebrating at the Honourable's residence, raising questions about the sincerity of the apology and the entire resolution process.
"Nigerians, I fear Unna o" – VeryDarkMan’s Critique
In his video, VDM bitterly criticized the Nigerian society’s apparent readiness to sacrifice principles for financial gain. He questioned Abuwatseya’s motives, suggesting that his apology and subsequent actions demeaned both himself and those who had supported his cause. VDM said, “It’s painful to see someone who went through such an ordeal make a public apology, which makes everyone who stood by him look foolish.”
Deji Adeyanju & Partners Withdraw Legal Representation
In a related development, Deji Adeyanju & Partners, the law firm representing Abuwatseya in the assault case, announced they were officially withdrawing from the case. In a statement signed by Zainab M. Otega, the firm cited the need to protect their professional integrity and adhere to the highest ethical standards as reasons for the withdrawal.
The statement read, "In view of recent developments and after careful consideration, we have made the decision to withdraw our legal representation in order to maintain the highest ethical standard in the legal profession."
The law firm initially took on the case on a pro bono basis, driven by a commitment to justice for Abuwatseya. Their decision to withdraw, however, suggests that recent events may have compromised the case's integrity or presented ethical challenges that led them to reevaluate their involvement.
What’s Next?
As Abuwatseya’s apology circulates online, it raises questions about the ethics of settlements and the complexities of seeking justice in high-profile cases involving public figures. With VDM’s scathing critique and the withdrawal of legal representation, the incident has become a symbol of broader societal issues around power, influence, and the limits of justice when financial incentives come into play.
This incident continues to stir debate on social media, with Nigerians divided on whether Abuwatseya's apology was genuine or simply a way to put the matter behind him. VDM’s revelations, coupled with Adeyanju & Partners' withdrawal, have cast a shadow over what many initially viewed as a straightforward case of accountability.