The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has confirmed that popular social media activist, Martins Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), will be released once he meets his bail conditions.
In an interview with BBC News Pidgin on Monday, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale stated, “We will release him if he meets his bail conditions, and we will take the case to court as soon as possible.”
Oyewale explained that VDM’s arrest followed multiple petitions filed by several individuals, alleging misconduct.
“We arrested him to respond to a series of allegations raised against him by some petitioners,” he said.
When questioned if the new generation bank was among those who filed the complaints, Oyewale declined to name specific petitioners, emphasising that the commission must protect the identities of those involved.
VDM was arrested in Abuja by EFCC operatives, which has sparked widespread backlash on social media. Critics accuse the commission of targeting dissent and silencing activists.
In response, VDM’s legal counsel, Deji Adeyanju, claimed that the activist was ambushed and arrested inside a new generation bank branch, fueling speculation about the bank’s involvement.
However, the new generation bank has denied any involvement, releasing CCTV footage to prove that the arrest did not take place within their premises.
The bank called for a thorough and transparent investigation to clarify the circumstances surrounding the arrest.
In an outpouring of support for VDM, protesters gathered outside the new generation bank’s headquarters in Abuja, chanting and holding placards demanding his unconditional release.
