EFCC Says VeryDarkMan Will Walk Once Conditions Are Met
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has confirmed that social media firebrand Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), will regain his freedom once he fulfills the bail conditions set by the anti-graft agency.
EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale, in a Monday interview with BBC Pidgin, said the activist was arrested following multiple petitions lodged by individuals accusing him of various offenses.
“We picked him up to answer to the allegations made in those petitions,” Oyewale said. “If he meets the bail terms, we will release him. The matter will also proceed to court in due time.”
Oyewale declined to name any of the petitioners, including whether Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) was among them, saying the commission was duty-bound to protect their identities.
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“Free VDM Now!” – Protests Erupt in Lagos, Abuja Over Activist’s Arrest
VDM’s arrest, which took place in Abuja, has triggered a storm online, with many of his supporters and free speech advocates claiming it’s part of a wider crackdown on outspoken voices on social media.
His lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, alleged that the arrest happened inside GTBank, describing it as an ambush. The accusation sparked outrage and led to heavy criticism of the bank across social media platforms.
However, GTBank swiftly pushed back. In a public statement accompanied by security camera footage, the bank distanced itself from the incident, stating that the arrest did not happen on its premises and calling for a neutral investigation.
The drama spilled into the streets on Monday as demonstrators flooded the bank’s headquarters in Abuja. Chanting and carrying placards, the protesters demanded VDM’s immediate release and condemned what they called an attack on free expression.
