ABUJA: The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has defended its decision to detain popular activist and social media personality, Martins Vincent Otse, known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), citing serious allegations of financial misconduct.
On Tuesday, the EFCC confirmed Otse’s arrest in a statement shared via its official X (formerly Twitter) account. The agency said it acted on multiple petitions involving significant financial crimes allegedly committed by Otse.
Despite being summoned through verified addresses and communication channels, the EFCC claims Otse failed to respond to multiple invitations.
According to our mandate to investigate and prosecute financial crimes, Martins Vincent Otse was invited based on petitions concerning alleged financial misconduct,” the statement read. “He ignored several invitations sent to him through his known addresses and contact mediums.
The agency clarified that his arrest was unrelated to past public criticisms of its operations, which Otse had frequently made online.
“Though the suspect has made unguarded comments about the Commission in the past, these did not influence his arrest,” EFCC added. “A lawful Remand Order was obtained, and he has been granted administrative bail, pending the fulfillment of bail conditions.”
The EFCC said charges would be filed once the investigation concludes.
“We appreciate Nigerians’ interest in our operations. While public engagement is welcome, baseless speculation about the Commission’s motives is not helpful. The EFCC must be allowed to carry out its duties without interference.
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Protests in Abuja
On Monday, a large group of youths staged a protest in Abuja demanding Otse’s release. The demonstrators marched from the EFCC headquarters to the location of his arrest, holding placards with messages like “Release VeryDarkMan” and “Seyi Tinubu, Are You Involved?”
Otse was reportedly arrested on May 2 following petitions submitted to the Commission.
Protesters at Wuse, near the Berger Bridge, described the arrest as unlawful and politically motivated.
Several prominent Nigerians have condemned Otse’s arrest.
Former Vice President and 2023 PDP presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, called the arrest “a blatant abuse of power,” linking it to the Tinubu administration’s alleged repression of dissenting voices.
Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, also criticized the EFCC’s actions. In a statement, he said the nature of the arrest resembled an abduction and warned it could set a dangerous precedent.
Nigerian music star Davido also weighed in, expressing support for the activist. “It’s encouraging to see the massive support for VDM,” he posted. “FREE MY GUY
