The legal team of Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has accused the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of violating his constitutional rights by failing to formally disclose specific charges following his arrest on May 1, 2025, in Abuja. Zainab Otega, a member of VDM’s legal team from Deji Adeyanju & Partners, confirmed that Otse underwent hours of interrogation on May 6, 2025, in the presence of colleague Marvin Omorogbe. Despite the EFCC announcing administrative bail on May 6, Otse remains in custody as of May 7, 2025, with his lawyers declining to reveal the bail conditions.
Otega criticized the EFCC’s interrogation, which focused on unrelated issues such as Otse’s handling of naira notes at a nightclub, monetization of his social media accounts, comments about a Nigerian gospel artist, tax records, and income sources. She described this as a “fishing expedition” rather than a legitimate investigation, arguing that the EFCC’s refusal to specify allegations breaches Otse’s rights. “The continued detention beyond the constitutional 24-hour limit is unlawful,” Otega stated, demanding his immediate release or formal charges in court if credible allegations exist.
The EFCC defended the arrest, stating it followed multiple petitions alleging financial crimes, including cyberstalking, and that Otse ignored repeated invitations sent to his known addresses. A statement by EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale on May 6 clarified that a valid Remand Order was secured, and Otse’s detention was not motivated by his criticisms of the agency, though it acknowledged his “unguarded attacks” on its operations. The commission confirmed Otse was offered administrative bail but must fulfill undisclosed conditions for release, adding that charges will be filed upon concluding investigations.
Human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju, Otse’s lead counsel, expressed frustration over the EFCC’s failure to provide bail condition documents despite repeated requests since May 6, describing the agency’s public statements as “social media bail.” Posts on X, including from @Verydakman_ and @SemiNigerian, echoed these concerns, with Otse’s associate Kokopee alleging the EFCC’s claims were misleading and urging public pressure for his release.
The arrest, reportedly at a Guaranty Trust Bank branch after Otse inquired about unauthorized deductions from his mother’s account, has sparked protests in Abuja and condemnation from figures like Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar, who called it an abuse of power. The EFCC maintained its actions were lawful, urging the public to avoid speculating on its motives. Otega thanked Nigerians for their support, encouraging peaceful protests while calling for calm to prevent escalation.
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