Online Influencer VeryDarkMan (VDM) Granted Bail by EFCC Following Arrest

The popular social media influencer and human rights activist, Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, was arrested on May 2 at a commercial bank over charges of financial malfeasance.

According to reports, VDM had been invited by the EFCC to come in for questioning several times, but he refused to show. His refusal to honor these invitations led to the steps taken by the EFCC.

“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 mediums of communication. The petitions pertain to grave allegations of financial malfeasance which cannot be ignored by the Commission,” it said in a statement titled, ‘EFCC’s Case against Martins Vincent Otse’.

His arrest has led to an outcry from many Nigerians who have gone on to protest for his release. The protesters marched from the EFCC headquarters to the bank where he was reportedly arrested. The agency admits that they have every right to hold VDM, but he will be let out on administrative bail once the charges are filed and the investigation has been concluded.

However, the accused’s lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, has spoken out about the difficulty in securing VDM’s release. He disclosed that his legal team has found it difficult to gain access to the documents detailing the bail conditions for VeryDarkMan.

“Bail granted VDM—social media bail—as we are yet to receive any bail document from the commission. We have made several repeated demands in this regard since yesterday, when we were informed about the decision to grant bail,” Adeyanju said.

Nevertheless, the EFCC continues to reiterate its stance on the issue and urges the public to refrain from speculating, allowing the agency to do its job.

“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.”