The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has officially confirmed the arrest of popular rights activist and social media influencer, Martins Vincent Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan (VDM).
In a statement released on its X account on Tuesday, the anti-graft agency stated that Otse’s arrest was prompted by petitions containing serious allegations of financial misconduct that the Commission could not overlook.
The EFCC claimed that the activist had “refused to show up in spite of several invitations sent to him through his known addresses and medium of communication.”
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The statement, titled “EFCC’s Case against Martins Vincent Otse,” read: “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.”
The EFCC also addressed the public outcry over Otse’s arrest and detention, asserting its lawful right to hold him in custody. However, it stated that he has been offered administrative bail and will be released upon fulfilling all the bail conditions.
The statement further noted: “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 EFCC concluded by stating that charges would be filed once investigations are complete and urged the public to allow the Commission to carry out its duties without undue interference or speculation about its motives.
“The Commission appreciates the interest of Nigerians in its operations… 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,” the statement added.
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