EFCC Reveals Reasons Behind Arrest of VeryDarkMan

 

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has officially confirmed that the arrest of popular social media commentator, Martins Innocent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), was due to multiple allegations of financial misconduct.

In a statement published on the Commission’s official X (formerly Twitter) handle, the EFCC disclosed that Otse was invited several times in connection with a series of petitions filed against him, but failed to respond.

“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. He refused to show up in spite of several invitations sent to him through his known addresses and medium of communication,” the statement read.

The Commission noted that the allegations against Otse involve serious financial malfeasance that required immediate investigation. While acknowledging Otse’s previous “unguarded attacks” on the EFCC and its operations, the agency emphasized that his arrest was unrelated to those public criticisms.

“While such conduct is condemnable, his arrest was not informed by such attacks. The relevant law enforcement agency will be allowed to look into them,” it added.

The EFCC further confirmed that a valid remand order was obtained to hold Otse during the investigation, in accordance with the law. He has since been granted administrative bail and will be released upon meeting the bail conditions.

The statement also addressed the public’s reaction, urging Nigerians to refrain from speculating about the motives behind the arrest and to allow the EFCC to perform its duties impartially.

“The Commission 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,” the agency concluded.

The Commission assured the public that charges will be filed once investigations are concluded.