BREAKING: VeryDarkMan Freed After 5 Days in EFCC Custody – Activist Vows to Continue Exposés

 By: Manoah Kikekon 

Very Dark Man

Lagos, Nigeria – Popular social media activist Martins Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has been releeased by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) after five days in detention.

 His arrest last Friday sparked nationwide outrage, with #FreeVeryDarkMan trending for days as Nigerians demanded justice.  

The EFCC confirmed that VDM was detained following "multiple petitions" alleging financial crimes. However, sources reveal that his arrest may be linked to his viral exposés on corruption within government agencies, including the EFCC itself.  

Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore confirmed his release on X (formerly Twitter), stating:  "Thanks to unrelenting efforts, @thatverydarkman has been released from unjust detention at @officialEFCC! He is now with his lawyer, @adeyanjudeji. #RevolutionNow."

VDM’s legal team, led by Deji Adeyanju, argued that his arrest was an attempt to silence his criticism of the anti-graft agency. During interrogation, EFCC officials reportedly grilled him over his social media posts accusing the commission of corruption. 

Barrister Marvin Omorogbe, who attended the interrogation, stated:  "This was never about financial crimes. It was about his bold stance against corruption. The EFCC had no concrete case but held him for days to intimidate him."

 

The EFCC maintained that VDM was invited multiple times but refused to honor their summons, prompting his arrest. In a statement, the agency said:  "Martins Otse was detained based on serious allegations of financial crimes. He was granted administrative bail but refused to comply with the conditions initially."

The commission denied targeting him for his activism, insisting his arrest was purely investigative.  

 

VDM’s arrest triggered massive backlash, with Nigerians and celebrities condemning the EFCC’s actions. Many viewed his detention as an attack on free speech, especially given his history of exposing fraud and misconduct.  

Hashtags like #JusticeForVDM and #FreeVeryDarkMan dominated social media, with users demanding accountability from the EFCC.  

Despite the ordeal, VDM has vowed to continue his activism. Sources close to him say he plans to expose more corruption cases, undeterred by his recent detention.