VeryDarkMan Released from EFCC Custody Amid Public Outcry
Social media activist and critic Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has reportedly been released from the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) following his arrest on May 2, 2025. The news of his release, which surfaced through posts on X, has sparked widespread discussion, with supporters celebrating his freedom and critics questioning the circumstances surrounding his detention.
Background of the Arrest
VeryDarkMan was apprehended by EFCC operatives shortly after visiting a Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) branch in Garki, Area 3, Abuja, to address unauthorized deductions from his mother’s bank account. The arrest, captured on CCTV and widely circulated online, fueled allegations of a targeted operation to silence the outspoken activist. According to sources within the EFCC, Otse was detained due to multiple petitions accusing him of cyberstalking, harassment, and intimidation via his social media platforms, actions that may contravene Nigeria’s Cybercrimes Act of 2015.
The EFCC confirmed that Otse’s arrest followed his failure to respond to several invitations for questioning regarding allegations of financial malfeasance and other offenses. A statement by EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale emphasized that the agency had obtained a lawful remand order and that Otse was granted administrative bail, which he could secure upon meeting specified conditions.
Public Reaction and Protests
The arrest triggered significant public backlash, with many Nigerians accusing the EFCC of suppressing free speech and targeting dissenting voices. On May 5, 2025, protesters took to the streets in Abuja’s Wuse district, carrying placards with messages like “Free VDM!” and “End selective justice!” The Take It Back Movement, a civil society group, condemned the arrest as unlawful and demanded Otse’s immediate release, raising concerns about the whereabouts of his mother, who was present during the arrest and reportedly went missing afterward.
Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore also criticized the EFCC, describing the detention as an attempt to silence VeryDarkMan for exposing alleged corruption within the agency. Sowore argued that the EFCC lacks the legal mandate to prosecute issues like defamation or cybercrime, which are typically handled through civil litigation.
Legal Developments and Bail Challenges
VeryDarkMan’s legal team, led by Deji Adeyanju of Deji Adeyanju & Partners, actively engaged with the EFCC to secure his release. On May 6, 2025, the team issued a statement detailing a lengthy interrogation Otse underwent the previous day, which covered topics such as his social media monetization, comments about a Nigerian gospel artist, and his handling of naira notes at a club. The lawyers demanded either Otse’s immediate release or formal charges, citing his detention beyond the constitutional 24-hour limit as illegal.
Despite being granted administrative bail, Otse remained in custody as of May 7, 2025, due to difficulties in fulfilling the bail conditions. Adeyanju expressed frustration over the EFCC’s failure to provide necessary bail documents, stating, “We have made several repeated demands in this regard since yesterday, when we were informed about the decision to grant bail.”
Release Confirmation and Ongoing Speculation
On May 7, 2025, posts on X indicated that VeryDarkMan had been released from EFCC custody. One post included a video, credited to an Instagram source, showing Otse declaring he was “outside” following his release. However, no official statement from the EFCC or major news outlets has confirmed the development, and details about whether Otse met the bail conditions or if charges were dropped remain unclear.
The EFCC had previously stated plans to formally charge Otse in court on May 8, 2025, based on petitions alleging cyberstalking and related offenses. It remains uncertain whether the agency will proceed with these charges following his reported release.
Context of VeryDarkMan’s Activism
Martins Vincent Otse, born April 8, 1994, in Kaduna and originally from Benin City, Edo State, has emerged as a polarizing figure in Nigeria’s social media landscape. Since 2022, his bold activism and exposés targeting influential figures and institutions have garnered a significant following but also led to multiple legal battles. Previous arrests in 2024 and early 2025 involved allegations of cyberbullying, defamation, and cyberstalking, including high-profile cases linked to Nollywood actresses, gospel singer Mercy Chinwo, and claims of EFCC bribery involving controversial figure Bobrisky.
Supporters view VeryDarkMan as a voice of accountability in a country grappling with corruption and institutional opacity, while critics accuse him of recklessness and defamation. His latest arrest has intensified debates about the balance between free speech and legal accountability in Nigeria.
Looking Ahead
As of now, the reported release of VeryDarkMan marks a significant development in a case that has gripped public attention. However, without official confirmation from the EFCC or further details on the status of potential charges, the situation remains fluid. Nigerians continue to monitor the case closely, with many calling for transparency from the EFCC and GTBank regarding the circumstances of Otse’s arrest and detention.
For updates on this developing story, follow credible news sources or visit the EFCC’s official channels. For more information on VeryDarkMan’s legal battles, refer to statements from Deji Adeyanju & Partners or coverage from outlets like Vanguard and SaharaReporters.
Note: The information regarding VeryDarkMan’s release is based on posts found on X and should be treated as inconclusive until verified by official sources.
