Sowore condemns EFCC’s detention of VeryDarkMan, demands immediate release

Abdullateef Fowewe

Renowned activist, Omoyele Sowore has strongly condemned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for the arrest and detention of popular social media critic, Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), describing the move as an unlawful attempt to silence a government critic.

Sowore in an X (formally Twitter) post stated, “It has been established that the @officialEFCC unlawfully arrested and detained Martins Vincent Otse aka VDM, as a means to silence him for accusing the agency and its leaders of corruption and malfeasance.”

He further alleged that the EFCC is “currently exploring legal avenues to charge him in court, possibly tomorrow, in an attempt to legitimize their actions,” but insisted the agency lacks the authority to prosecute for criminal defamation, libel, or cybercrime, which are civil matters.

“The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission @officialEFCC does not possess the authority to prosecute individuals for criminal defamation, criminal libel, or cybercrime, as these are torts that are typically addressed through civil lawsuits. As a result, the EFCC must release VDM immediately,” Sowore declared.

Lawyers representing Otse have also criticized the EFCC’s conduct, noting that over 24 hours after the arrest, the agency has yet to disclose any formal charges, only presenting what they described as a “kangaroo warrant” for alleged cyber stalking.

Otse was arrested after visiting Guaranty Trust Bank to complain about suspicious withdrawals from his mother’s account, with some suggesting the bank may have initiated the arrest following his public criticism, Dailyeconomy reports.

Sowore called for the immediate release of VeryDarkMan, warning that such actions by authorities threaten free speech and echo past abuses that sparked nationwide protests.

“No one has a right to suppress free speech under the guise of illegality,” Sowore added.