Why We Arrested, Detained VeryDarkMan – EFCC

…Denies witch-hunt of the media activist

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has said that the popular social media activist, Martins Innocent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, was arrested over serious allegations of financial crimes.

The EFCC pointedly said that VeryDarkMan is being held under a valid remand order, but has been granted administrative bail pending the fulfillment of the bail conditions.

It assured Nigerians that due process is being followed and promised to file charges against VeryDarkMan once investigations are concluded.

The EFCC which stated these on Tuesday, May 6, 2025, said that the VeryDarkMan was invited multiple times following series of petitions against him, but failed to honour the invitations.

The EFCC in a statement on its verified X handle said that in the exercise of its mandate of tackling economic and financial crimes, it invited Martins Innocent Otse owing to a series of petitions bordering on sundry issues of alleged financial crimes raised against him.

It said that Otse’s refusal to respond to its summons led to his eventual arrest, adding that the accusations involved grave allegations of financial malfeasance which cannot be ignored.

The anti-graft agency also acknowledged that the VeryDarkMan has made several public attacks it, saying however, that his arrest had no connection with the criticisms.

According to the EFCC; “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”.

It also said that any matters related to the remarks by VeryDarkMan would be handled by relevant law enforcement authorities.

The Commission said; “The EFCC appreciates the interest of Nigerians in its operations… 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”.

VeryDarkMan’s arrest created nationwide outrage, with many critics accusing the EFCC of targeting the activist over his vocal social media advocacy and criticism of public figures.