The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has confirmed the arrest of social media influencer Martins Vincent Otse, known as VeryDarkMan, on May 2, 2025, following allegations of financial crimes.
Otse was detained after visiting a Guaranty Trust Bank branch in Abuja to address unauthorized deductions from his mother’s account, in an incident his legal team described as resembling an abduction.
The EFCC, in a statement on May 6, clarified that Otse’s arrest stemmed from multiple petitions accusing him of financial malfeasance, not his public criticisms of the agency’s operations.
According to EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale, Otse ignored repeated invitations to address the allegations, prompting his arrest under a lawful remand order. The commission emphasized that Otse has been offered administrative bail and will be released upon meeting conditions, with plans to file charges once investigations conclude.
The EFCC dismissed claims of targeting Otse for his outspoken critiques, urging Nigerians to avoid speculating on its motives.
The arrest has sparked public outrage, with activists like Omoyele Sowore and celebrities including Davido calling for Otse’s release, alleging suppression of free speech.
Protests erupted at the GTBank branch in Abuja, and Otse’s legal team, led by Deji Adeyanju, condemned the EFCC’s actions, citing violent treatment during the arrest. The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria also criticized the EFCC, accusing it of overstepping its mandate.
As tensions rise, the EFCC insists it is acting within its legal rights to investigate serious financial allegations.