The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has finally spoken out regarding the controversial arrest of outspoken social media personality Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), revealing the condition for his release amid growing public backlash.
VDM, known for his fiery commentaries on political and societal issues, was arrested in Abuja by EFCC operatives following a slew of petitions accusing him of misconduct. His arrest has sparked widespread debate online, with fans and civil rights advocates expressing concern over what they describe as an attempt to silence dissenting voices.
In an interview with BBC News Pidgin on Monday, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale said the anti-graft agency is prepared to release the activist once his bail terms are met.
“We will release him if he meets his bail conditions, and we will take the case to court as soon as possible,” Oyewale stated, adding that “We arrested him to respond to a series of allegations raised against him by some petitioners.”
While the nature of the allegations remains unclear, the EFCC’s confirmation of multiple petitions hints at a more complex case than initially assumed.
VDM’s arrest has not gone unnoticed by the public. On Monday, a group of youths in Abuja took to the streets to protest, demanding his immediate release and accusing the EFCC of targeting him for speaking truth to power.
The online community has also rallied behind the activist, with hashtags calling for his freedom trending across social media platforms. Many are questioning whether the move is politically motivated, pointing to VDM’s history of controversial yet bold takes on sensitive national issues.
This isn’t the first time VDM has clashed with powerful institutions, but this arrest marks a significant moment in the ongoing discourse around freedom of speech and digital activism in Nigeria.
As the public awaits further details and potential court proceedings, one thing is clear, the arrest of VeryDarkMan has once again ignited conversations about the boundaries of activism in a country still navigating its democratic ideals.
