The Nigerian Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has confirmed that social media activist Martins Innocent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has been granted administrative bail following his recent arrest in Abuja.
According to a statement issued by the Commission on Tuesday, Otse will be released upon meeting the specified bail conditions. He is currently being held in EFCC custody under a valid remand order obtained by the agency.
EFCC: Otse Ignored Multiple Invitations
The EFCC stated that Otse’s arrest was in response to multiple petitions alleging serious financial misconduct. According to the agency, Otse failed to respond to several formal invitations sent to his known addresses and communication channels.
“The EFCC… invited Martins Innocent Otse owing to a series of petitions bordering on sundry issues of alleged financial crimes raised against him,” the agency said. “He refused to show up in spite of several invitations.”
The EFCC emphasised that his arrest was based solely on the allegations outlined in the petitions. As such, it was not influenced by his online commentary or criticism of the commission’s activities.
Allegations Involve “Grave Financial Malfeasance”
While the EFCC did not specify the details of the alleged offences, it described the petitions as involving “grave allegations of financial malfeasance which cannot be ignored.”
The Commission also noted that “the appropriate Remand Order was obtained.” This therefore granted it the legal authority to hold Otse during the ongoing investigation.
EFCC Responds to Public Scrutiny
In the face of mounting criticism, the EFCC addressed widespread public interest in the case.
“The Commission appreciates the interest of Nigerians in its operations,” the statement read. “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.”
The agency added that formal charges would be filed upon completion of its investigations.
Legal Team Challenges Arrest
Human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju, who is representing Otse, has questioned the legality of the arrest. Speaking after a visit to the EFCC headquarters in Abuja on Monday, Adeyanju claimed that no official petition had been presented against Otse.
“We still cannot understand why he was arrested,” Adeyanju said in a social media post. “EFCC said there’s no petition against him after our repeated demand.”
Adeyanju has accused the agency of arbitrary detention and called for Otse’s immediate release. He also raised concerns about the role of Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank), where Otse was arrested on May 2, 2025, suggesting the bank may have facilitated the operation.
Previous Concerns and Public Reaction
VeryDarkMan’s arrest has sparked significant public and legal attention. Civil society organisations, including the Public Interest Lawyers League (PILL), have condemned the action and called for due process to be followed.
Earlier reports also noted that Otse’s associate, Steven Avuara, was arrested alongside him and that Otse’s mother, Mrs Blessing Otse, who was present at the time, was unaccounted for. Legal representatives have requested clarification on her whereabouts.
Next Steps
As of May 6, 2025, VeryDarkMan remains in custody pending compliance with bail requirements. His legal team continues to engage with the EFCC, while public interest in the case remains high across social and legal circles.
