Human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju has raised concerns over the continued detention of Nigerian social media critic Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). According to Adeyanju, the EFCC has yet to provide a clear explanation for Otse's arrest, despite multiple inquiries.
Otse was apprehended on May 2, 2025, at a bank premises in Area 3, Abuja, in a joint operation involving the EFCC, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Police Force. Initial reports suggested the arrest was related to alleged cyberstalking activities.
However, in a statement posted on his official Facebook page on Monday night, Adeyanju stated that after meeting with Otse in EFCC custody, the agency was unable to specify the exact reasons for the arrest. He emphasized the importance of transparency and due process in legal proceedings, especially concerning individuals' rights and freedoms.
The arrest has sparked public interest, particularly given Otse's history of outspoken commentary on social media and previous allegations against EFCC officials. In September 2024, Otse had accused the EFCC of attempting to frame him in retaliation for his criticisms of the commission's chairman, Olanipekun Olukoyede. He claimed that influential individuals had visited the EFCC office to provide materials aimed at implicating him.
Further complicating matters, Otse had released a leaked audio involving Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, alleging that EFCC officials accepted a ₦15 million bribe to drop money laundering charges against the crossdresser. This claim led to the EFCC inviting both Otse and Bobrisky for questioning to assist in investigating the alleged bribery.
The House of Representatives subsequently mandated its Committees on Financial Crimes and Reformatory Institutions to investigate the bribery allegations against the EFCC and the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS). The investigation aims to uphold the integrity of Nigeria's law enforcement agencies and address public concerns over corruption.
As the situation unfolds, Adeyanju has called for the immediate release of Otse or, at the very least, a formal clarification of the charges against him. He emphasized that the lack of transparency undermines public trust in legal institutions and could be perceived as an attempt to silence dissenting voices.
The EFCC has yet to issue a detailed statement regarding Otse's arrest. Observers and human rights advocates continue to monitor the case closely, advocating for adherence to legal protocols and the protection of individual rights.
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