ABUJA The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has defended its decision to detain social media influencer and activist Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), stating that the agency acted within the bounds of the law.
In a statement posted on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Tuesday, the anti-graft agency confirmed Otse’s arrest, citing multiple petitions containing serious allegations of financial impropriety. The EFCC noted that the activist ignored repeated invitations extended to him through known communication channels.
“Martins Vincent Otse was invited by the EFCC due to a series of petitions involving alleged financial crimes,” the Commission said. “He refused to respond to several invitations sent to his known addresses. His refusal left the Commission with no alternative but to act.”
Administrative Bail Offered
Responding to public backlash and growing calls for Otse’s release, the EFCC clarified that the activist has been offered administrative bail and would be freed upon meeting the stipulated conditions.
While acknowledging Otse’s previous public criticisms of the agency, the EFCC maintained that such actions were not the basis of his arrest.
“It is necessary to emphasize that Otse’s arrest was not retaliatory. The Commission is focused strictly on the petitions before it. A proper remand order was obtained, and the law will take its full course,” the statement read.
The agency further assured the public that charges would be filed once investigations are completed. “The Commission urges Nigerians to refrain from baseless speculations. Our mandate is to enforce the law without fear or favour.”
Nationwide Reactions and Street Protests
Otse’s arrest, which reportedly took place on May 2, has triggered widespread reactions, both online and on the streets. On Monday, a group of youths marched through the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, protesting what they described as an unjust detention. The demonstrators held placards bearing messages such as “Release Very Dark Man” and “Seyi Tinubu, Are You Involved?”
The protest march began at the EFCC headquarters and proceeded to a nearby commercial bank where Otse was reportedly apprehended. Eyewitnesses said the protest gained momentum near Wuse, shortly after the Berger bridge.
Political Leaders, Celebrities Weigh In
Political heavyweights and celebrities have also lent their voices to the growing controversy. Former Vice President and 2023 Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, strongly condemned the arrest, describing it as “another blatant abuse of power by the Tinubu administration.”
Similarly, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, expressed deep concern over the method of Otse’s arrest, likening it to an abduction. “Such approaches risk creating panic and can easily be exploited by criminal elements,” Obi warned.
Nigerian music icon Davido also took to social media to demand Otse’s release. “The support I’m seeing for VDM everywhere is encouraging. Makes one want to do more for the masses. FREE MY GUY,” the musician posted.
Legal and Civic Questions Remain
The EFCC’s insistence on its lawful mandate comes amid a broader national debate about civil liberties, abuse of power, and the shrinking space for dissent. Critics argue that the agency must ensure due process and transparency, especially when dealing with high-profile activists and public figures.
As of press time, it remains to be seen whether Otse will meet the bail conditions and what charges, if any, will follow.
Reference
EFCC Insists on Lawful Detention of Activist ‘VeryDarkMan’, Offers Bail Amid Protests