On May 6, 2025, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) issued an official statement via its X handle (@officialEFCC) regarding the arrest of social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM). The EFCC revealed that Otse was invited for questioning due to multiple petitions alleging financial crimes, but he failed to honor the invitations. The statement, which comes amid growing public outcry and the trending #FreeVDM campaign, has sparked mixed reactions, with many Nigerians accusing the agency of misconduct and others questioning the legitimacy of the charges.
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EFCC’s Case against Martins Vincent Otse
— EFCC Nigeria (@officialEFCC) May 6, 2025
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, in the exercise of its mandate of tackling economic and financial crimes, invited Martins Vincent Otse owing to a series of petitions bordering on sundry issues of alleged… pic.twitter.com/VBhCHbYAM1
In its X post shared at 10:36 UTC on May 6, 2025, the EFCC detailed the reasons behind Otse’s arrest. The agency stated that it received “a series of petitions bordering on sundry issues of alleged financial crimes” against Otse, prompting several invitations to its offices in Abuja. However, Otse allegedly refused to appear, leading to his arrest. The EFCC emphasized that the arrest was not in response to Otse’s public criticisms of the agency, which he has made in the past, but rather due to the “grave allegations of financial malfeasance” outlined in the petitions.
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The EFCC further clarified that it obtained a remand order to hold Otse in custody, a standard procedure for suspects under investigation. Otse has been offered administrative bail, which he can access upon meeting the specified conditions. The agency assured the public that it would file charges as soon as investigations are concluded, urging Nigerians to allow it to carry out its duties “without fear or favour.” The statement was accompanied by the EFCC’s logo, featuring an eagle and the Nigerian coat of arms, symbolizing its authority.
The EFCC’s statement has been met with significant backlash on X, with many users questioning the agency’s transparency and motives. @yopy30BG accused the EFCC of fabricating charges, writing, “WE KNOW AND IT IS VERY OBVIOUS THAT YOU PEOPLE DON’T HAVE ANYTHING INCRIMINATING AGAINST HIM… SHAME ON ALL OF YOU.” Others, like @Edesiri_56, criticized the EFCC for initially denying Otse’s arrest and for the manner in which he was apprehended, alleging, “Why did you wear him mask as if you are kidnapping him, such act is never done by a well know organization fighting crime.”
@TrendingEx pointed out inconsistencies in the EFCC’s narrative, asking, “So why did you say the BBC News report was fake if you’d still say the same thing they said?” This refers to a BBC News Pidgin report on May 5, 2025, which the EFCC had previously dismissed, despite later confirming similar details about Otse’s arrest and bail conditions. Users like @Esteembehemoth expressed frustration over the delay in addressing the issue, stating, “It had to take like forever to come up with this??? Shameful!!”
Read also: Court orders VeryDarkMan to pay Falanas N500m, delete defamatory posts
The #FreeVDM hashtag has gained momentum, with supporters demanding Otse’s release. @papal_rae and @oxndes noted that the EFCC edited its post shortly after publishing, leading to mockery, with comments like “Why una quick edit am nah😂” and “Eagle don blind Too much eba.” @n6oflife6 shared a satirical image of the EFCC logo reimagined as a clown, reflecting widespread disillusionment with the agency.
