Breaking: Shock as EFCC denies involvement in VeryDarkMan arrest reports

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has sparked fresh controversy after publicly disowning viral reports and social media posts claiming it had explained the reason behind the arrest of popular activist and social media personality, Martins Otse, better known as VeryDarkMan (VDM).

On Monday, May 5, 2025, the anti-graft agency posted disclaimers on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, branding as “FAKE NEWS” screenshots of a BBC Pidgin article and a viral tweet by journalist Rufai Oseni, which cited EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale as confirming VDM’s arrest over multiple petitions.

The EFCC did not provide any alternative explanation for the arrest but made it clear that the statements circulating online were not authorized by the commission.

This denial has thrown the public into confusion, especially as earlier reports claimed that the EFCC had said VDM was being held over allegations stemming from several petitions related to cyberstalking and online misconduct.

The fresh twist comes amid widespread protests and calls for VDM’s immediate release. On Monday, popular influencer Jojooflele led a demonstration in Abuja’s Wuse area, where supporters chanted for justice and transparency regarding the activist’s detention.

VDM was arrested on May 2 at a GTBank branch in Abuja while accompanying his mother to resolve unauthorized deductions from her account. His lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, has maintained that the arrest was politically motivated, insisting that the activist is being targeted for his outspoken views against corruption and abuse of power.

The situation has now grown murkier, with critics accusing the EFCC of lacking transparency and accountability in handling the matter.

As of press time, the EFCC has neither confirmed nor denied if VeryDarkMan remains in custody, nor has it stated the exact charges against him—raising more questions than answers.