EFCC Breaks Silence on VeryDarkMan’s Arrest After Five Days

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has, after nearly a week, clarified the reason for detaining popular activist Martin Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM).

According to his lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, the arrest took place last Friday at a Guaranty Trust Bank branch located in Abuja.

The incident quickly gained traction online, prompting strong reactions from the public and notable personalities. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s Peter Obi, and music stars like Davido, Rudeboy, and Mr P were among those who voiced concern and demanded VDM’s release.

In a statement released on Tuesday and shared with the media, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale explained that Otse was apprehended over allegations tied to financial misconduct.

The statement read: “The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, in its mandate of tackling economic and financial crimes, invited Martins Innocent Otse 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 the Commission cannot ignore.”

The agency further emphasized that it has full legal authority to detain individuals under active investigation, including VDM.

Addressing the uproar following Otse’s detention, the EFCC acknowledged the backlash but clarified, “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, such attacks did not inform his arrest.

The relevant law enforcement agency will be allowed to look into them. The appropriate Remand Order was obtained in this regard. He has been offered an administrative bail and will be released after fulfilling all the bail conditions.”

The Commission also expressed gratitude for the public’s continued interest in its work and acknowledged the enthusiasm with which Nigerians engage with its activities. Still, it called for restraint in circulating unfounded narratives about its actions.

“The EFCC should be allowed to do its job without fear or favour. As soon as investigations are concluded, charges will be filed.”