Abuja, May 7, 2025
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has confirmed that social media activist and rights campaigner Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), will be released upon meeting administrative bail conditions, following his controversial arrest on May 2, 2025. The announcement comes after days of protests in Abuja, online campaigns, and vocal demands from prominent Nigerians, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, and music superstar Davido, for his immediate release.
VDM’s detention sparked widespread debate about freedom of expression and the role of state agencies in handling dissent. The EFCC’s decision to grant bail, however, has raised questions about the transparency of the process and the allegations against the activist, known for his outspoken criticism of corruption and institutional misconduct.
The Arrest and Public Backlash
VDM was apprehended by EFCC operatives at a Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) branch in Area 3, Garki, Abuja, while accompanying his mother to address unauthorized deductions from her account. CCTV footage circulating online showed VDM being detained shortly after exiting the bank, prompting allegations of a premeditated arrest. The Take It Back Movement described the incident as “unlawful” and accused the EFCC and GTB of colluding to silence a vocal critic.
The EFCC initially cited “multiple petitions” alleging financial malfeasance and cyberstalking as the basis for VDM’s arrest, claiming he had ignored prior invitations to address these complaints. However, VDM’s legal counsel, Deji Adeyanju, countered that the EFCC failed to provide specific allegations or present any formal petition, raising concerns about the legality of the detention. “Four days after his arrest, the Commission has yet to inform him of the specific allegations against him,” Adeyanju stated, calling the detention a violation of VDM’s constitutional rights.
The arrest triggered immediate backlash. On May 5, scores of youths took to the streets of Abuja, marching from the EFCC headquarters in Jabi to a commercial bank, holding placards with inscriptions like “Release Very Dark Man” and “Seyi Tinubu, Are You Involved?” The hashtag #FreeVDM trended on X, with posts amplifying calls for transparency. One user,
@dammiedammie35, shared that the Nigerian Human Rights Commission (NHRC) confirmed VDM’s release within 24 hours, reflecting the public’s intense interest in the case.
Prominent figures also weighed in. Peter Obi condemned the arrest’s “abduction-like” nature, warning that such tactics could erode public trust in security agencies. Davido, in a post on X, praised VDM’s impact on ordinary Nigerians, stating, “The support I’m seeing for VDM everywhere is encouraging… FREE MY GUY.” Atiku Abubakar described the detention as part of a “disturbing pattern” of state-sponsored repression, urging Nigerians to resist authoritarianism.
Bail Terms and EFCC’s Stance
On May 6, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale clarified that VDM would be released once he meets administrative bail conditions, with the case set to proceed to court. “We will release him if he meets his bail conditions, and we will take the case to court as soon as possible,” Oyewale told BBC News Pidgin. The EFCC later elaborated that VDM’s arrest stemmed from “grave allegations of financial malfeasance” and that a remand order had been obtained to hold him legally.
However, the specifics of the bail conditions remain undisclosed, fueling speculation about their stringency. Adeyanju, after visiting VDM in custody, noted that the EFCC’s interrogation focused on unrelated issues, such as VDM’s handling of naira notes at a club, his social media monetization, and comments about a Nigerian gospel artist, rather than the alleged financial crimes. This has led critics, including the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), to accuse the EFCC of “fishing for evidence” to justify the arrest.
A source within the EFCC told Vanguard that VDM is expected to be released today, May 7, but will face multiple charges, including cyberstalking, in court on Thursday, May 9. The charges reportedly stem from petitions, including a prior defamation lawsuit by gospel singer Mercy Chinwo, who accused VセDM of making false claims about her marriage in a March 2025 livestream.
Legal and Social Implications
VDM’s case has reignited debates about Nigeria’s cybercrime laws and their application to social media activists. The Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) likened the use of the Cybercrime Act to the oppressive Decree 2 of 1984, arguing that it stifles free expression. Legal experts warn that VDM’s case could set a precedent for how cyberstalking and defamation are prosecuted, potentially impacting online discourse. Section 375 of the Nigerian Criminal Code, which criminalizes defamation with up to two years’ imprisonment, is under scrutiny for its broad application.
HURIWA and the Public Interest Lawyers League (PILL) have called for VDM’s immediate release or prompt arraignment, citing constitutional violations in his prolonged detention without charges. “The Constitution was not made to be selectively obeyed,” PILL President Abdul Mahmud stated.
VDM’s Legacy and the Road Ahead
VDM, with over 500,000 followers on TikTok and Instagram, has built a reputation as a fearless critic of corruption, often targeting government officials, celebrities, and institutions. His arrest follows previous legal battles, including a March 2025 warrant for failing to appear in court over Chinwo’s defamation case. Despite his controversial style, supporters view him as a voice for the voiceless, with fans like @supernickky_musik on X stating, “If Very Dark Man fit miss, then freedom of speech is not truly guaranteed here.”
As VDM’s release looms, the spotlight remains on the EFCC’s handling of the case and its implications for civic space in Nigeria. The ongoing protests, backed by celebrities and civil society, underscore a growing demand for accountability and transparency. Whether VDM’s release will quell public discontent or escalate tensions depends on the court proceedings and the EFCC’s adherence to due process.
TheWatch.ng will continue to monitor developments in this high-profile case. For updates, follow us on X or visit thewatch.ng.
