The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has officially confirmed the arrest of Martins Otse, the controversial social media personality popularly known as VeryDarkMan, VDM.
EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale stated that the arrest was carried out in response to a series of petitions filed by various individuals, accusing Otse of alleged misconduct and defamation.
Though specific details of the petitions remain undisclosed, the EFCC emphasized that the agency is obligated to act on credible complaints submitted by the public.
“We arrested him in response to a series of allegations raised against him by some petitioners,” Oyewale told BBC News Pidgin.
While he declined to name any of the petitioners, citing the commission’s duty to protect their identities, he assured the public that Otse would be released if and when he meets his bail conditions. “We will release him if he meets his bail conditions, and we will take the case to court as soon as possible,” he added.
The arrest, which took place in Abuja, has ignited significant backlash online, with critics accusing the EFCC of targeting outspoken voices and suppressing dissent.
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Otse, known for his blunt and often controversial commentaries on corruption, social injustice, and influential figures, commands a large following on various platforms. His arrest has fueled a wider conversation about freedom of expression, abuse of power, and the role of security agencies in civic spaces.
Adding to the tension is a claim by Otse’s legal representative, human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju, who stated that VDM was ambushed and detained inside the premises of Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank).
The statement sparked outrage and suspicion over the bank’s possible involvement. In response, GTBank released security camera footage and issued a firm denial, stating that the arrest did not occur on its premises and that the bank had no role in the incident.
Despite the denial, protests erupted at GTBank’s headquarters in Abuja on Monday, where supporters of VeryDarkMan gathered in large numbers, chanting slogans and holding placards demanding his immediate and unconditional release.
Protesters claim that the timing and manner of the arrest are suspicious and appear to be part of a broader effort to intimidate critics of the government and powerful institutions.
VDM’s arrest adds to a growing list of online activists and content creators who have been detained under vague or disputed legal grounds.
Many civil society groups and free speech advocates continue to raise concerns about the use of public institutions like the EFCC as tools to silence opposition voices.
As the legal proceedings unfold, public attention remains firmly fixed on the EFCC’s next steps, as well as the broader implications for civil liberties and digital activism in Nigeria.
Crediblenewsng.com
