Drama as netizens compare EFCC’s treatment of VDM to Yahaya Bello’s ₦110bn fraud case

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is once again under fire on social media following its controversial arrest of internet personality VeryDarkMan.

Netizens, particularly his loyal followers known as “ratels,” are now drawing comparisons between the agency’s swift action against the online critic and its more lenient handling of former Kogi State governor Yahaya Bello.

The uproar began shortly after VeryDarkMan was arrested in what many described as a “commando-style” operation shortly after he exited a GTBank premises. His lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, disclosed that no formal charges have been communicated, sparking criticism of the EFCC’s process and intentions.

In response, ratels began questioning the commission’s priorities, asking why the same urgency and force weren’t applied in bringing Yahaya Bello to justice.

Bello, who was declared wanted by the EFCC over an alleged ₦110 billion fraud case, reportedly evaded arrest for seven months, skipping court dates and refusing to surrender himself to the authorities.

Despite the gravity of the allegations, Bello eventually turned himself in and was granted bail to the tune of ₦500 million—a development that further fueled public frustration.

As the backlash continues to build, the EFCC is yet to officially respond to the criticism or provide new information regarding the basis for VeryDarkMan’s detention.