If EFCC Releases My Mugshot with ‘Money Laundering’ Tag, I’ll Sue – VDM

Activist and social commentator Martin Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has issued a stern warning to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), threatening legal action if the agency publishes his mugshot with a label of money laundering. VDM was released two days ago after spending six days in EFCC custody over alleged financial crimes.

In a video posted on his Instagram page on Friday, VDM broke his silence, revealing that his phone remains in the custody of the EFCC. He alleged that the agency has logged him out of his iCloud account and now controls all the data on the device, which he claims contains critical evidence.

The activist stated that while he is willing to collaborate with the EFCC on combating fraud, publishing a mugshot tied to a money laundering charge would force him to take the matter to court. He challenged the Commission to prove the allegation if it chooses to publicize the image, promising a legal showdown that would unfold publicly. He emphasized that unfounded accusations damage the agency’s credibility and undermine past and future prosecutions.

VDM clarified that he would not object to the release of his mugshot if the accompanying charge was tax evasion, but maintained that the EFCC must prove any claims of money laundering. He warned that failure to do so would cast doubt on similar accusations the Commission has made against others.

Addressing the circumstances of his arrest, VDM recounted visiting a Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) branch with his mother to lodge complaints about unauthorized deductions from her account. He was arrested shortly after, with some supporters alleging it happened at the bank. GTBank has since denied this, releasing security footage to support its claim.

VDM responded by promising to expose what he described as shocking actions by GTBank. He said he suspects the EFCC may have deleted incriminating videos from his phone, but warned that if the content remains intact, the bank could face serious public backlash. He also suggested that any tampering with his device by the EFCC would raise further questions about the agency’s conduct.

VDM’s lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, has previously hinted at legal action, and Friday’s video reinforces the activist’s intent to pursue accountability through public and judicial channels.