Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), a prominent human rights activist and social media influencer, has been released from the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
His release was confirmed by his legal counsel, Deji Adeyanju, during a phone interview.
VDM was arrested in Abuja on Friday by operatives of the EFCC, sparking a wave of public outrage and widespread reactions on social media. High-profile figures, including 2023 presidential candidates Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party and Peter Obi of the Labour Party, as well as popular musician Davido, openly demanded his immediate release.
On Monday, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale officially acknowledged the agency’s involvement in VDM’s arrest and explained the rationale behind the action.
“We arrested him to respond to a number of allegations made by several petitioners,” Oyewale stated. “Once he fulfills the bail conditions, he will be released. The matter will also proceed to court shortly.”
Oyewale emphasized that the EFCC has a duty to protect the identities and interests of the complainants involved.
In response to the arrest, groups of young Nigerians staged a protest in Abuja early Monday morning. The demonstrators, holding placards with various messages, condemned the arrest and described it as unlawful and unjust.
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