Africa

VeryDarkMan Released After Five Days in EFCC Custody

Social media activist Martins Innocent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has been released from custody after spending five days with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

His release was confirmed Wednesday evening by his legal representative, Deji Adeyanju.

Arrest Followed Petitions and EFCC Criticism

Last Friday, authorities arrested VDM in Abuja during a sudden and forceful operation, according to witnesses and supporters. According to the EFCC, the arrest was based on “multiple petitions” alleging serious financial misconduct.

In a statement on Tuesday, the agency said:
“The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, in the exercise of its mandate of tackling economic and financial crimes, invited Martins Innocent Otse owing to a series of petitions… He refused to show up in spite of several invitations.”

EFCC added that it obtained a valid remand order and later granted Otse administrative bail. However, they said this was contingent upon fulfilment of specific conditions.

Focus on Social Media Posts During Interrogation

According to legal sources, interrogation sessions focused heavily on Otse’s online statements, particularly those accusing the EFCC of corruption.

Public Outcry and Online Solidarity

The activist’s detention triggered widespread public backlash and online campaigns under hashtags such as #FreeVeryDarkMan and #JusticeForVDM. Civil society actors, human rights advocates, and thousands of social media users demanded his immediate release. They questioned the transparency and motive behind the arrest.

VDM, known for his direct style and controversial commentary on social issues, has built a large online following by posting videos that challenge powerful institutions and individuals in Nigeria.

What Comes Next

It remains unclear whether the EFCC will formally charge Otse or drop the investigation. His legal team has not yet commented publicly on whether it plans to pursue legal action over the detention.

As of Wednesday night, Otse has been released from custody and will issue a public statement in the coming days.

Mimi Mefo Info

Evelyn Ndi

Recent Posts

Attribution express de marchés publics à Yaoundé sur ordre de la présidence

Une instruction signée par Ferdinand Ngoh Ngoh, Secrétaire général de la présidence de la République,…

17 hours ago

Yaoundé prépare une révolution des transports avec l’aide de la Suède

La ministre de l'Habitat Célestine Ketcha Courtès vient de lancer une étude cruciale pour transformer…

18 hours ago

Kumba City Council Signs FCFA 500 Million Deal to Build Stadium

By Tata Mbunwe The Kumba City Council has signed a deal with Société Anonyme des…

20 hours ago

Cameroon Marriage Trends: 80% of Women Do Not Marry for Love – Agbor Gilbert

Is love still the driving factor behind marriage in Cameroon, or are economic motivations taking…

23 hours ago

Le ministère des Domaines durcit les règles d’accès à son siège

Le ministre des Domaines, du Cadastre et des Affaires foncières, Henri Eyebe Ayissi, a décrété…

2 days ago

Fire Destroys Upper Floor of Abakar Deri Building in Garoua’s Central Market

A fire broke out in the early hours of the morning, of May 26, 2025,…

2 days ago