Breaking: EFCC releases official statement on VeryDarkMan’s arrest

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has officially confirmed that controversial social media activist, Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, was arrested over serious allegations of financial crimes.

In a statement released via its official X (formerly Twitter) account on Tuesday, the anti-graft agency clarified that Otse was invited multiple times following several petitions submitted against him but failed to honour the invitations.

“The EFCC, in the exercise of its mandate of tackling economic and financial crimes, invited Martins Innocent Otse owing to a series of petitions bordering on sundry issues of alleged financial crimes raised against him,” the agency said.

According to the Commission, Otse’s refusal to respond to its summons led to his eventual arrest. EFCC stressed that the accusations involve “grave allegations of financial malfeasance which cannot be ignored.”

While acknowledging that the activist has made several public attacks on the Commission, EFCC maintained that his arrest was unrelated to those criticisms.

“It is needful to admit that the Commission is aware of several unguarded attacks of the suspect against its operations. While such conduct is condemnable, his arrest was not informed by such attacks,” the statement added, noting that any matters related to those remarks would be handled by relevant law enforcement authorities.

EFCC also noted that Otse is currently being held under a valid remand order and has been granted administrative bail, pending the fulfillment of bail conditions.

The agency assured Nigerians that due process is being followed and promised to file charges once investigations are concluded.

“The EFCC appreciates the interest of Nigerians in its operations… 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,” it said.

VeryDarkMan’s arrest had created nationwide outrage, with many critics accusing the Commission of targeting the activist over his vocal social media advocacy and criticism of public figures.