VeryDarkMan Granted Bail, He Would Be Released Once Conditions Are Met – EFCC

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has offered administrative bail to detained social media activist VeryDarkMan (VDM), whose real name is Martins Otse.

KanyiDaily recalls that VeryDarkMan was arrested on Friday, May 2, after visiting a Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) branch in Abuja with his mother to report suspicious withdrawals from her account.

Human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju, who threatened a lawsuit against GTBank, claimed that VeryDarkMan’s arrest was linked to a petition filed by a magistrate in Abuja.

However, in a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter) on Tuesday, the EFCC said VDM was arrested over several petitions accusing him of financial misconduct.

The agency noted that despite sending him multiple invitations through his known contacts, the activist failed to respond, which led to his arrest.

The EFCC made it clear that the arrest had nothing to do with VeryDarkMan’s past criticisms of the agency. While the commission condemned his attacks on its operations, it emphasized that the arrest was strictly based on the financial complaints against him.

According to the EFCC, VDM is being legally held as part of an ongoing investigation, and a court-approved remand order has been obtained.

The commission also confirmed that the activist has been granted administrative bail and will be released once he meets the bail conditions.

The agency stated that the specific charges against VDM will be revealed after the investigation is completed. It urged the public to remain patient and allow the EFCC to carry out its duties without interference.

The statement reads, “The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, in the exercise of its mandate of tackling economic and financial crimes, invited Martins Vincent Otse owing to a series of petitions bordering on sundry issues of alleged financial crimes raised against him.

“He refused to show up in spite of 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.

“It is needful to admit that the Commission is aware of several unguarded attacks of the suspect against its operations. While such conduct is condemnable, his arrest was not informed by such attacks. The relevant law enforcement agency will be allowed to look into them.

“The EFCC has a lawful right to hold Otse in custody like any other suspect being investigated by the Commission. 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.

“However, insinuations about its motive in carrying out its assignment should no longer continue. The EFCC should be allowed to do its job without fear or favour. As soon as investigations are concluded, charges will be filed.”

KanyiDaily recalls on Monday, a group of young Nigerians staged a peaceful protest in Abuja on Monday, calling for the immediate release of VeryDarkMan (VDM).