The attorney representing social media figure and activist Martins Otse, commonly known as VeryDarkMan, Deji Adeyanju, has expressed frustration over the challenges faced in securing his client’s release from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
On Tuesday morning, the EFCC, through its Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, announced that VeryDarkMan had been granted administrative bail but remained in custody while awaiting the fulfillment of his bail conditions.
Oyewale revealed that Otse was called in for questioning due to multiple petitions alleging serious financial crimes. He explained that VDM was arrested after consistently ignoring numerous EFCC invitations sent to known addresses and communication methods.
He stated, “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 will be released after fulfilling all the bail conditions.”
“Otse has been offered administrative bail and would be released after fulfilling all the bail conditions.”
In response to the EFCC’s announcement, Adeyanju mentioned on his social media platforms that his legal team has struggled to access the necessary documents outlining the bail conditions for VeryDarkMan, emphasizing that their attempts to obtain these documents have been unsuccessful.
“Bail granted VDM, social media bail, as we are yet to receive any bail document from the commission. We have made several repeated demands in this regard since yesterday, when we were informed about the decision to grant bail,” Adeyanju stated.
Addressing the circumstances of VDM’s arrest across various social media platforms, Oyewale clarified that the arrest was legal and not a reaction to what were termed “unguarded attacks” by the suspect on the commission’s operations online.
He explained, “The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, in the exercise of its mandate of tackling economic and financial crimes, invited Martins Vincent Otse owing to a series of petitions bordering on sundry issues of alleged financial crimes raised against him. He refused to show up despite several invitations sent to him through his known addresses and medium of communication. The petitions pertain to grave allegations of financial malfeasance which cannot be ignored by the Commission.”
“It is needful to admit that the Commission is aware of several unguarded attacks of the suspect against its operations. 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.”
He urged the public to avoid speculation and let the EFCC perform its constitutional duties without disruption.
“The Commission appreciates the interest of Nigerians in its operations. The passion, enthusiasm, and torrents of reactions to all of its activities are welcome. However, insinuations about its motives in carrying out its assignment should no longer continue. The EFCC should be allowed to do its job without fear or favor. As soon as investigations are concluded, charges will be filed.”
NewsClick Nigeria reports a significant outcry following news of Otse’s arrest, with many supporters advocating for his release.
On Monday, numerous protesters gathered at the GTB headquarters in Abuja, demanding his freedom.
His arrest has also faced condemnation from various quarters, including the Labour Party’s presidential candidate for the 2023 election, Peter Obi, as well as lawyers and fans.