Popular Nigerian social media activist Martins Otse, known widely by his online alias VeryDarkMan (VDM), has regained his freedom after spending five days in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). His arrest and subsequent release have triggered massive public interest, legal commentary, and online discourse across Nigeria.
The news of VeryDarkMan’s release from EFCC detention was confirmed by political activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore via his official X (formerly Twitter) account. Sowore wrote, “Thanks to the unrelenting efforts of all, @thatverydarkman has been released from unjust detention at the @officialEFCC! He is with his ebullient lawyer, @adeyanjudeji.”
Why Was VeryDarkMan Arrested?
According to his legal representative, Deji Adeyanju, VDM was arrested on May 2, 2025, after exiting the Guaranty Trust Bank branch at Area 3, Garki, Abuja. He was reportedly assisting his mother in addressing a case of suspicious withdrawals from her bank account—an incident he had earlier mentioned on social media. He was accompanied by his friend, Stephen Avuara, who was also taken into custody.
In a statement from Adeyanju’s law firm, signed by Zainab Otega, the duo was detained by EFCC operatives under the agency’s Special Duty Committee Unit 4. Efforts by lawyers to access VDM during his detention were unsuccessful, though Avuara provided details about their arrest.
Public Outrage and Protests Over EFCC Detention
News of VDM’s arrest by the EFCC sparked nationwide backlash. On Monday, a large crowd of protesters assembled outside the GTBank headquarters in Abuja, carrying placards with messages such as “#FreeVDM,” “Activism is not a crime,” and “VDM has committed no offence.” Demonstrators accused authorities of targeting the activist for his bold commentary and criticisms of influential figures.
The protest extended to the streets, with motorists chanting in solidarity and amplifying calls for the release of Martins Otse, who has gained a loyal following for his fearless advocacy on social media.
Legal Community Condemns EFCC’s Actions
The Public Interest Lawyers League (PILL), led by Abdul Mahmud, joined the call for accountability, criticizing the EFCC for conducting an arrest allegedly without a warrant. The group argued that the arrest and prolonged detention of VDM without formal charges violated both the Nigerian Constitution and international human rights standards.
“The continued detention of Mr. Otse beyond the constitutionally permitted time is a grave abuse of power,” PILL stated. “The EFCC was established to enforce justice, not to suppress critical voices. Nigeria is a constitutional democracy, not a police state.”
According to Section 35 of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution (as amended), an arrested person must be brought before a court within 24 to 48 hours. Legal experts argue that VDM’s five-day detention, without court charges, represents a troubling violation of these fundamental rights.
EFCC Labels BBC Report on VeryDarkMan Arrest as “Fake News”
Amid growing public concern, the EFCC responded to a report by BBC News Pidgin which claimed that the agency arrested VDM based on multiple petitions and that charges were imminent. In a swift reaction, the commission posted a screenshot of the article on its official Instagram account with the label “FAKE NEWS” stamped over it.
While the EFCC has not issued a comprehensive explanation regarding the exact charges or nature of the petitions against Martins Otse, the case has become a flashpoint in the debate over freedom of expression and misuse of state power in Nigeria.
Conclusion: What’s Next for VeryDarkMan?
With VeryDarkMan now free, attention is shifting to whether the EFCC will pursue legal action or quietly close the case following public pressure. For now, the arrest and detention have reignited calls for reform in how Nigeria handles arrests, freedom of speech, and digital activism.
Martins Otse, better known as VDM, remains a polarizing figure, but one whose treatment has raised critical questions about the rule of law, the role of government agencies, and the rights of citizens in a democratic society.
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