- The EFCC has granted administrative bail to as VeryDarkMan.
- VDM was arrested at a GTBank branch in Abuja while contesting a questionable loan deduction from his mother’s account, which she allegedly did not apply for.
- Reports indicate that VDM was blindfolded and physically assaulted by security personnel during his arrest.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has confirmed that social media activist Martins Innocent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has been granted administrative bail.
VDM was arrested over the weekend at a GTBank branch in Abuja. He had reportedly visited the bank to challenge a questionable loan deduction from his mother’s account—a loan she allegedly never applied for.
Sources claim he was blindfolded and physically assaulted by security personnel during the arrest.
His detention sparked widespread concern, with many alleging that high-profile individuals influenced the EFCC’s decision to hold him, in retaliation for his outspoken presence on social media.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the EFCC stated that Otse was taken into custody in connection with “grave allegations of financial malfeasance.” The agency explained that it had received several petitions and subsequently obtained a legal remand order, allowing them to hold him beyond the initial 24 hours permitted by law.
Although he remains in custody, the EFCC confirmed he has been offered administrative bail and will be released once he meets the set conditions.
“The EFCC has a lawful right to hold Otse in custody like any other suspect being investigated by the Commission. The appropriate Remand Order was obtained in this regard. He has been offered an administrative bail and would be released after fulfilling all the bail conditions.
“The commission appreciates the interest of Nigerians in its operations. The passion, enthusiasm and torrential reactions to all of its activities are welcome.
“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. As soon as investigations are concluded, charges will be filed,” the statement read.
The agency also explained that Otse had failed to respond to several formal invitations sent to him via his known addresses and communication channels, which prompted his arrest.
The EFCC stressed that the accusations involve serious financial misconduct, which falls under its jurisdiction as part of its core mission to combat economic and financial crimes.
Since the arrest, there has been growing pressure—both domestically and internationally—for his release.
See some comments below:
@Edesiri_56: You people don’t fight corruption, you fight against the people fighting against corruption. You people are one of the problems Nigeria is having combined with the government. Bad leaders everywhere holding position in the Nigerian legislation how can such country progress.
@yopy30BG: WE KNOW AND IT IS VERY OBVIOUS THAT YOU PEOPLE DON’T HAVE ANYTHING INCRIMINATING AGAINST HIM, YOU WERE JUST CONFUSED ALL THIS WHILE ON WHAT TO TELL THE PEOPLE, NOW LOOK AT WHAT YOU CAME UP WITH. SHAME ON ALL OF YOU. MAKE UNA SHAA RELEASE AM MAKE HE COME USE HIM OWN MOUTH TELL US WETIN REALLY HAPPENED…. BECAUSE NOBODY DEY BELIEVE UNA NØNSENṢE STORY ANY MORE.
@KestyDeveloper : From Cyberstalking to Financial Malfeasance… like weitin una dey do self? Do you guys even understand the outward look of your dramas? The painful thing is that politically expose individuals who looted funds like mad are walking free. I don’t get. You guys always.. e nor dey tire una?
@iam_Drelex: When Yahaya Bello was invited and he refused to honor was he arrested? I believe he’s still roaming around a free man.
@1blackoracle: So what about the people who committed grave financial crimes against the country who are still walking free?
@Homiebishop : Everything no be by cho cho cho try and show working show us any politician you have arrested and sentenced to prison before to serve.
