EFCC Explains Why Popular Influencer VeryDarkMan Was Arrested

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has confirmed the arrest of popular social media activist, Martins Vincent Otse—widely known as VeryDarkMan—citing multiple petitions and allegations of cyberstalking as the basis for his detention.

EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, confirmed the development in a statement to BBC News Pidgin on Monday.

According to him, Otse was taken into custody to respond to a number of complaints lodged by various individuals.

“We arrested him to respond to a series of allegations raised against him by some petitioners,” Oyewale stated.
“He will be released once he meets the bail conditions, and we intend to charge the case to court as soon as possible. We are a law-abiding agency.”

When asked if Otse’s arrest was linked to Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank), the EFCC spokesman clarified that the petitions originated from multiple individuals and were unrelated to any single institution. He emphasised the agency’s duty to act on complaints and protect petitioners.

Meanwhile, the arrest has sparked protests in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory, where scores of young Nigerians took to the streets in support of the controversial online personality. The demonstrators, seen in the Wuse area near Berger Bridge, described the EFCC’s actions as unlawful and politically motivated.

Protesters have vowed to escalate their demands by submitting a formal complaint to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in Maitama, Abuja.

VDM, who has built a large online following for his outspoken commentary on social and political issues, has faced previous scrutiny from authorities. His supporters argue that the current allegations are an attempt to silence dissenting voices.

As of press time, the EFCC has not announced a court date but reiterated that due legal process will be followed.