After spending five consecutive days in the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), popular Nigerian social media activist, Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, has finally regained his freedom.
The activist, known for his blunt commentaries and online exposés on societal ills, was arrested last week following what the EFCC described as “multiple petitions” lodged against him by unnamed individuals.
He was released by the EFCC to his lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, on Wednesday evening.
Human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, who spoke to him on phone confirmed the news.
“Thanks to unrelenting efforts of all @thatverydarkman has been released from unjust detention at the @officialEFCC! He is with his ebullient lawyer, @adeyanjudeji. #RevolutionNow,” Sowore wrote in a post on X.
SaharaReporters had earlier reported that VeryDarkMan was arrested in a Gestapo-style operation last Friday.
This sparked nationwide outrage and solidarity campaigns on social media. Hashtags like #FreeVeryDarkMan and #JusticeForVDM trended for days, with calls for his immediate release.
On Tuesday, SaharaReporters reported that VDM, known for his outspoken views on national issues, was being questioned over comments he made accusing the EFCC of corruption.
The interrogation session, which lasted several hours, was attended by his legal representative, Barrister Marvin Omorogbe from Deji Adeyanju’s law firm.
According to sources familiar with the matter, the session focused primarily on Otse’s social media posts and videos in which he alleged deep-rooted corruption within the anti-graft commission.
In a statement issued earlier on Tuesday, EFCC confirmed VDM’s arrest.
According to the Commission, VDM had been offered administrative bail and would be allowed to leave when he fulfilled his bail conditions.
The EFCC added that VDM repeatedly ignored several invitations sent to his known addresses and communication channels, prompting law enforcement action.
The EFCC stated that the petitions it received detailed grave allegations of financial crimes that warrant a thorough investigation.
The agency affirmed its legal right to detain any suspect under investigation and revealed that a valid remand order was obtained for his custody.
The EFCC denied that VDM’s arrest was connected to his criticism of the agency.
“The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, 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,” the agency said.
