₦airaland Forum

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has explained why it arrested popular rights activist Martins Vincent Otse, also known as VeryDarkBlackMan (VDM).

Speaking to BBC News Pidgin, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale said the arrest was made following several petitions from individuals who had complaints against the activist.

“We arrested him to respond to a series of allegations raised against him by some petitioners,” Oyewale said.

When asked if the petitions were connected to GT Bank, he explained that the complaints came from different people and that the EFCC has a duty to protect the identities and interests of those who reported the matter.

He added, “We will release him once he meets the bail conditions, and we will take the case to court as soon as possible. We are law-abiding.”

Oyewale also confirmed that the activist was arrested in Abuja.

The development comes shortly after VeryDarkMan went to a bank in Abuja with his mother to inquire about her account.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has secured a court order to remand social media activist, Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), pending the conclusion of an investigation into alleged cybercrime offences.

VDM was arrested last Friday at a bank branch in the Wuse area of Abuja by a combined team of EFCC operatives, officers of the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Police Force.

Eyewitnesses said he was accosted shortly after exiting the bank premises.
His arrest sparked widespread outrage on social media, with the hashtag #FreeVDM trending across platforms throughout the weekend.

Critics have accused authorities of using security agencies to silence dissenting voices.

Sources close to the investigation confirmed that the EFCC is preparing to file charges under Nigeria’s Cybercrimes Act, which empowers the commission to investigate and prosecute cybercrimes, particularly those involving financial and economic crimes.

“The remand order was granted to allow us to complete our investigation and finalize the charges,” a senior EFCC official said, adding that “he would be arraigned once we conclude that process, and the charges are expected to be substantial,” a source said.

As of Monday morning, VDM remains in the custody of the EFCC. His legal representative, Deji Adeyanju, issued a formal statement last week confirming that they are seeking access to him and reviewing possible legal actions.

The EFCC has not issued an official statement on the arrest or the charges.

MadamVanessa:



Arrest ke

You fóols didn't arrest VDM, you kidnapped the young man. Everything APC robot clowns here will likened it to what is obtainable in USA
. I think this is exact way SWAT or FBI arrest people over there.

bongomusicafri:
This is the thread where you will see people who love oppression. Thank God na my opportunity to block them Asap

Sharpsharp00123:
block them n remove your 950 inside the bank so they can fold up

Sharpsharp00123:
to an Igbo man

Arrest means kidnap

It's like d world use a different dictionary from u people

MadamVanessa:
To a Yaariibaaaandittt kidnapped means arrest. Is like Yaariibaaaandittts have a different dictionary from the rest of the world.

Streetinvestor2:
You are equal to thr nonsense from yeye people

MadamVanessa:



I'm not Igbo , I will never be. But the truth is that, Igbos will continue to be a shrapnel in your ass. You never start to wail, you go wail more than this.

zero8zero:
One day monkey go go market, he no go fit to come back.