EFCC grants VeryDarkMan bail, reveals reason for his arrest

Abdullateef Fowewe

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has confirmed the arrest and detention of Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), following a series of petitions alleging financial crimes.

The EFCC in a statement on Tuesday noted that VDam had ignored several invitations to address the complaints, which the agency described as “grave allegations of financial malfeasance which cannot be ignored by the Commission.”

“We arrested him to respond to a series of allegations raised against him by some petitioners”.

The commission underscored that his arrest was not motivated by his public criticism of the EFCC, noting, “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 further clarified its legal authority, stating, “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.”

Meanwhile, the arrest has sparked significant public reaction and calls for due process. The Minority Caucus in the House of Representatives urged the EFCC to “immediately release VDM or arraign him in court in accordance with the law,” warning that “arbitrary arrests and prolonged detentions of citizens for expressing dissenting or unpopular views have no place in a democratic society”.

Human rights group Amnesty International also described the detention as an attempt to silence a dissenting voice, stating, “Frequent manipulation of government agencies to silence dissenting voices undermines the rule of law.”

As investigations continue, the EFCC has assured the public that “as soon as investigations are concluded, charges will be filed.”