Though granted bail, the social media influencer remains in custody amid concerns over due process.
The legal team of Mr. Martins Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has raised alarm over the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) failure to formally communicate any charges against their client following his arrest on May 1, 2025.
Zainab Otega, a member of VDM’s legal team, confirmed that Otse underwent hours of questioning yesterday, with her colleague Marvin Omorogbe present during the interrogation. Despite the EFCC’s earlier announcement that Otse had been granted administrative bail, he remains in custody.
At press time, VDM’s legal team had yet to reveal the conditions attached to his bail, and their calls for clarity on the matter are growing louder.
The EFCC has defended the detention, stating that Otse’s arrest is part of its ongoing anti-corruption efforts, conducted in a fair and lawful manner. However, Otega expressed serious concerns over the nature of the questions asked during the interrogation. She claimed the focus was on unrelated issues, including VDM’s handling of naira notes at a nightclub, the monetization of his social media accounts, comments about a Nigerian gospel artist, his tax records, and the sources of his income.
Otega criticized the EFCC’s approach, suggesting that the agency seemed to be “fishing for evidence” rather than pursuing a legitimate criminal investigation.
“The EFCC has failed to provide any formal charges, which is a clear violation of our client’s constitutional rights,” she said. “This is no longer a question of legality, but of due process.”
VDM’s legal team has demanded his immediate release or, alternatively, that formal charges be brought against him if the EFCC has credible evidence. Otega emphasized that his continued detention, beyond the legally allowed 24-hour period, is unlawful.
“We urge the EFCC to either charge Mr. Otse or release him immediately,” she said. “His unlawful detention must end.”
The lawyer also encouraged Nigerians to peacefully exercise their constitutional right to protest but cautioned against taking matters into their own hands as public interest in the case continues to grow.
“We appreciate the public’s concern, and we call for calm as the situation unfolds,” Otega added.
In a statement released yesterday, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale addressed the public outcry, clarifying that Otse had failed to honor multiple invitations for questioning prior to his arrest.
“His conduct, though unfortunate, was not the primary reason for his arrest. The EFCC is focused on the facts of the case, and relevant law enforcement agencies will investigate any possible wrongdoing,” Oyewale stated, referring to VDM’s past criticisms of the commission.
The EFCC also confirmed that a valid Remand Order had been secured for Otse’s detention and that a thorough investigation is underway. While the commission acknowledged the high level of public interest, it urged Nigerians to refrain from drawing conclusions about its motives.
“The EFCC will continue its investigation without fear or favor. Should any charges arise from the investigation, they will be filed accordingly,” the statement concluded.
As the legal battle continues, the case has sparked significant public interest, with many questioning the fairness and transparency of the process.
