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Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has been granted administrative bail by Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) following his recent detention over alleged financial misconduct. The social media activist, known for his bold critiques of corruption and government institutions, was released on May 6, 2025, under conditions set by the anti-graft agency.

EFCC’s Claims and Arrest

According to an official statement from the EFCC, VDM was arrested after ignoring multiple invitations to respond to petitions accusing him of serious financial crimes. The commission stated that his detention was necessary to facilitate investigations into these allegations.

However, VDM’s legal team, led by prominent human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju, has contested the EFCC’s claims, arguing that no formal charges or official petitions were presented to justify his arrest. “We were never served with any petition,” Adeyanju said in a press briefing. “His detention violates the constitutional provision against holding citizens without charge beyond 24 hours.”

Supporters Rally Behind the Activist

News of VeryDarkMan’s arrest sparked protests in Abuja and a massive online campaign under the hashtag #FreeVDM, as fans and civil society groups accused the EFCC of targeting the activist for his outspoken views. Prominent political figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Labour Party’s Peter Obi, condemned the detention, describing it as an attack on free speech and democratic accountability.

“Instead of silencing critical voices, we must create space for citizens to question institutions,” Obi wrote on X (formerly Twitter).

What’s Next?

The EFCC has indicated that its investigation is ongoing and that formal charges may follow. Meanwhile, VDM’s supporters continue to demand transparency and fairness in the process, warning against what they see as a growing trend of using state power to suppress dissent.

As the situation develops, the clash between Nigeria’s anti-corruption crusade and the rights of activists like VeryDarkMan underscores a deeper struggle over governance, accountability, and freedom of expression in the country.

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