Though there are pockets of protest on the arrest of social media critic, VeryDarkMan, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has stated why VDM was arrested
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has confirmed the arrest of social media personality Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), citing multiple petitions filed against him by concerned individuals.
EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale, in an interview with BBC News Pidgin, said the arrest followed several petitions filed against the activist by concerned individuals.
When asked if the petitions were related to Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank), Oyewale explained that the complaints came from different people and that the EFCC has a duty to protect the identities and interests of those who reported the matter.
“We will release him once he meets the bail conditions, and we will take the case to court as soon as possible. We are law-abiding,” he added.
Oyewale also confirmed that VDM was arrested in Abuja.
The arrest occurred shortly after VDM visited a GTBank branch in Abuja with his mother.
According to his lawyer Deji Adeyanju, he was apprehended at gunpoint by masked men in black uniforms outside the bank, beaten, blindfolded and taken into custody by EFCC operatives.
VeryDarkMan is known for his controversial takes on social issues and public figures. In May 2024, he was arraigned at the Federal High Court in Abuja on five counts of cyberstalking, following allegations of online harassment against the Nigeria Police Force and actresses Iyabo Ojo and Tonto Dikeh. He pleaded not guilty.
Later that year, he faced fresh charges of impersonation before a Chief Magistrate Court in Abuja, where he was accused of unlawfully dressing as a police officer. He again pleaded not guilty and was granted bail.
In another matter, he was sued for N1 billion by popular crossdresser Bobrisky for alleged defamation.
Apart from these, VDM has been faced with several other lawsuits stemming from his frequent online commentaries and public confrontations.