THE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has admitted it arrested and detained popular social media activist Martins Innocent Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan (VDM).
The commission also revealed the reason for his arrest.
The anti-graft agency made the revelations after some Nigerians stormed the commission’s headquarters in Abuja and the headquarters of the Guaranty Trust Bank in protest to demand his release.
Recall that VDM was arrested last week and remains in custody, a move that has been criticised by former vice president Atiku Abubakar and presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 elections, Peter Obi.
But in a clarification, the EFCC, in a statement posted on his official X handle on Tuesday, May 6, and signed by the spokesman of the agency, Dele Oyewale, said the VDM was arrested after he failed to honour several invitations to him after different petitions against him on financial misconduct.
According to Oyewale, contrary to speculations, the EFCC did not arrest VDM over his criticisms of the commission.
He said the EFCC, in the exercise of its mandate of tackling economic and financial crimes, invited the activist owing to a series of petitions bordering on sundry issues of alleged financial crimes raised against him.
“He refused to show up despite several invitations sent to him through his known addresses and medium of communication. The petitions pertain to grave allegations of financial malfeasance, which cannot be ignored by the commission,” Oyewale stated.
He added that VDM had been granted administrative bail and is already trying to perfect his bail conditions, and charges will be filed against him after concluding investigations.
The EFCC spokesperson added that the relevant agency would investigate the matter, adding that the commission had the lawful right to hold the suspect in custody as part of their investigation.
“The appropriate remand order was obtained in this regard. He has been offered an administrative bail and would be released after fulfilling all the bail conditions.
“The Commission appreciates the interest of Nigerians in its operations. The passion, enthusiasm, and torrential reactions to all of its activities are welcome,” the commission added.
The EFCC spokesman stated that assumptions about the commission’s motives for the arrest should stop, while stressing the importance of not interfering with the commission’s job.
The ICIR reported that a group of young Nigerians staged a protest at the headquarters of Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) Abuja on Monday, demanding the immediate release of VeryDarkMan.
The demonstration followed his alleged arrest by the EFCC.
Eyewitnesses said the activist was detained after visiting a branch of GTB in Abuja with his mother to resolve an issue related to his account. He was reportedly taken into custody shortly afterwards.
Protesters gathered near the EFCC headquarters in the Jabi district of Abuja, carrying placards and chanting slogans such as “He’s not a thief!” and “Release VDM!” The protest caused significant traffic disruptions, drawing the attention of motorists and bystanders.
On social media, the hashtag #FreeVDM has been trending nationwide, with supporters, civil society groups, and prominent figures expressing concern over Otse’s arrest and detention.
A reporter with the ICIR
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