EFCC RELEASES VERYDARKMAN ON BAIL AFTER FINANCIAL CRIME PETITIONS SPARK INVESTIGATION
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has granted administrative bail to controversial social media personality, Martins Innocent Otse, better known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), following his arrest in response to multiple petitions accusing him of financial misconduct. In a statement released via its verified Facebook page on Tuesday, May 6th the Commission clarified that the arrest was not driven by Otse’s well-documented public criticism of its operations, but rather stemmed from credible allegations of economic crimes.
According to the EFCC, despite repeated formal invitations issued to Otse through his known addresses and communication channels, he failed to present himself for questioning, thereby prompting the need for enforcement action. The Commission said it obtained a lawful remand order to take him into custody and has since offered him administrative bail, which would be effected upon the fulfillment of stipulated conditions. While the exact nature of the petitions remains undisclosed, the agency emphasized that the issues raised against Otse were “grave allegations of financial malfeasance” warranting thorough investigation.
The EFCC also expressed concern over public speculation surrounding the arrest, cautioning Nigerians against drawing premature conclusions. It stressed that it would not be deterred by public sentiment or the suspect’s media influence, and that the integrity of its processes must be preserved. The Commission noted that once investigations are completed, appropriate charges will be filed in line with the law.
The development has attracted wide public attention, particularly from VDM’s large online following, many of whom view the arrest as a targeted move against free speech. However, EFCC insists its actions were purely professional and legally grounded, underscoring the importance of allowing anti-corruption agencies to carry out their mandates “without fear or favour.”
