JUST IN: Finally, EFCC Releases Social Media Activist VeryDarkMan After Five Days in Custody

Nigerian social media activist Martins Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan, has been released from the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) after spending five days in detention. His release was confirmed on Wednesday evening when he was handed over to his lawyer, Deji Adeyanju.

Otse’s arrest last Friday triggered widespread outrage on social media, with hashtags such as #FreeVeryDarkMan and #JusticeForVDM dominating online platforms. Supporters accused the EFCC of targeting the activist for his outspoken views and critical commentary on national issues, including alleged corruption within the agency.

According to reports, Otse was taken in following what the EFCC described as “multiple petitions” from unidentified individuals. On Tuesday, the agency confirmed his arrest and stated that he had been offered administrative bail, which would be granted upon meeting the required conditions. The EFCC also emphasized that it had secured a valid remand order and denied claims that his detention was linked to his public criticisms.

Sources revealed that Otse was interrogated for several hours earlier in the week, with questions centering on social media posts and videos in which he accused the EFCC of corruption. His legal counsel, Barrister Marvin Omorogbe from Adeyanju’s firm, was present during the session.

Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore confirmed Otse’s release in a post on X, thanking supporters for their continued pressure and describing the detention as unjust.

The EFCC reiterated its position that the arrest was in response to serious allegations of financial crimes and maintained that Otse had failed to respond to multiple invitations, necessitating his apprehension.