EFCC confirms arrest of social media activist VeryDarkMan over alleged ‘grave’ financial crimes

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has confirmed the arrest of Martins Innocent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), a prominent social media activist and critic, following allegations of financial malfeasance. The EFCC disclosed that Otse’s detention stems from multiple petitions accusing him of financial crimes, though details of the allegations remain undisclosed.

The arrest, which took place on Thursday, May 2, 2025, has sparked widespread controversy, protests, and debates across Nigeria, with many questioning the motives behind the commission’s actions.

According to a statement released by the EFCC early today, VeryDarkMan was invited multiple times to respond to the petitions but failed to honour the invitations sent through his known addresses and communication channels. The commission emphasised that the allegations against VeryDarkMan are serious and cannot be overlooked, as they pertain to “grave financial malfeasance”.

The EFCC also clarified that VDM’s arrest was not prompted by his frequent criticisms of the agency’s operations, which he has publicly voiced on social media platforms. However, the commission noted that his “unguarded attacks” against its activities are condemnable and may be investigated by relevant law enforcement agencies.

The EFCC stated that VeryDarkMan is being held in custody under a lawful remand order and has been offered administrative bail.

“He has been offered an administrative bail and would be released after fulfilling all the bail conditions,” EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale told BBC News Pidgin on Monday, May 5, 2025.

EFCC to charge VeryDarkMan to court

The commission plans to file formal charges against VeryDarkMan as soon as investigations are concluded, signalling that the case may soon proceed to court.

VDM’s arrest occurred shortly after he visited a Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) branch in Area 3, Garki, Abuja, alongside his mother and an associate to address unauthorised deductions from his mother’s bank account. CCTV footage of the arrest, which has since gone viral, shows EFCC operatives apprehending him outside the bank, an action described by his supporters as premeditated.

The Take It Back Movement, a civil society group, condemned the arrest as “unlawful” and accused the EFCC of targeting VeryDarkMan to silence his outspoken criticism of government and institutional corruption. The group also raised concerns about the whereabouts of VDM’s mother, who was with him at the time of the arrest and has reportedly gone missing.

The arrest has ignited a firestorm of reactions across Nigeria, with protests erupting in Abuja as youths demand VeryDarkMan’s immediate release. Prominent figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, have condemned the EFCC’s actions, alleging that the arrest represents an abuse of power by the administration of President Bola Tinubu.

In a statement posted on X on May 5, 2025, Atiku described Otse’s detention as “yet another blatant abuse of power” and accused the EFCC of being used to suppress critical voices. Similarly, Obi expressed concerns about the state of democracy in Nigeria, arguing that VDM’s arrest was conducted in an uncivil manner.

VeryDarkMan’s lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, has been vocal about the case, lamenting his client’s continued detention and questioning the EFCC’s motives. In a tweet on May 3, 2025, Adeyanju stated, “VDM is still detained at EFCC. He is not a governor, a former governor, a senator, or a corrupt politician. VDM has been extremely critical of the commission.” Adeyanju has also alleged that VDM was manhandled by EFCC operatives and denied access to food and treatment, claims the EFCC has not officially addressed.

Social media platforms, particularly X, have been abuzz with reactions to the arrest. Some users, like @YeleSowore, have accused the EFCC of detaining VDM to silence his allegations of corruption within the agency. Others, such as @YOLICOM6, have suggested that VeryDarkMan’s arrest was justified due to his failure to respond to EFCC invitations following petitions against him.

The polarised sentiments reflect Otse’s polarising persona as a social media influencer known for confronting corruption, challenging public figures, and addressing social injustices.

The EFCC, established in 2003 to combat economic and financial crimes such as advance fee fraud and money laundering, has faced scrutiny over its operations in recent years. Critics argue that the agency has been weaponised to target political opponents and critics, a claim the EFCC has consistently denied. In its statement, the commission appealed to Nigerians to allow it to carry out its mandate “without fear or favour” and urged the public to refrain from speculating about its motives.