ABUJA — The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested social media influencer Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, over allegations of cyberstalking.
A source within the EFCC, who spoke to our reporter in confidence, confirmed the arrest on Sunday.
The source, who requested anonymity as they were not authorised to speak publicly on the matter, said: “We picked him up based on several complaints that he used his social media platforms to harass, insult, and intimidate individuals — actions that may contravene the Cybercrimes Act of 2015.”
When asked to identify those who filed the complaints or felt targeted, the source declined to provide further details.
Deji Adeyanju, counsel to VeryDarkMan, also spoke to Vanguard on Sunday from outside the country. He disclosed his intention to return to Abuja on Monday to facilitate his client’s release.
“My brother, I’m currently not in Nigeria, but I’ll be back in Abuja tomorrow (Monday) afternoon. By 4 p.m., we’ll be at the EFCC to secure his bail,” Adeyanju said.
He added, “As of now, the Commission has not formally disclosed the specific offence my client is alleged to have committed.”
Meanwhile, human rights activist Omoyele Sowore condemned the EFCC’s actions, alleging that the arrest was a calculated attempt to silence VeryDarkMan for exposing alleged corruption within the agency.
“It has become evident that the EFCC unlawfully arrested and detained Martins Vincent Otse, also known as VDM, in a bid to silence him after he accused the agency and its leadership of corruption and misconduct.
“The EFCC is now considering legal avenues to arraign him in court, possibly tomorrow, in an effort to justify their actions.
“The Commission does not possess the legal mandate to prosecute individuals for criminal defamation, libel, or cybercrime; matters typically pursued through civil litigation. Therefore, the EFCC must release VDM without delay,” Sowore asserted.
In the meantime, it was gathered that the EFCC is preparing to bring formal charges against VeryDarkMan, potentially as early as Monday.
Attempts to reach the EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, for comment were unsuccessful, as his phone lines remained unreachable.