The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has confirmed the arrest of controversial social media personality Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, over allegations of financial crimes.
In a statement released on Tuesday, May 6, the anti-graft agency disclosed that Otse was taken into custody after repeatedly ignoring invitations to respond to petitions filed against him.
“Martins Innocent Otse was invited owing to a series of petitions bordering on sundry issues of alleged financial crimes raised against him,” the EFCC stated.
The Commission explained that multiple attempts were made to secure Otse’s cooperation before resorting to arrest. “He refused to show up in spite of several invitations sent to him,” the agency said, noting that messages had been dispatched to his known addresses and contact points.
Addressing public reactions to the arrest, the EFCC urged Nigerians to avoid speculation. “The EFCC should be allowed to do its job without fear or favour,” the statement read. “As soon as investigations are concluded, charges will be filed.”
The agency denied claims that Otse’s frequent online criticisms of the EFCC influenced his arrest. “While such conduct is condemnable, his arrest was not informed by such attacks,” it clarified.
The EFCC emphasized that due process was followed in detaining the social media activist. “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,” the statement added.
The Commission confirmed that administrative bail has been granted to Otse, pending fulfillment of the stipulated conditions.
