The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has broken its silence regarding the controversial arrest and ongoing investigation of social media influencer Martins Innocent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan, amid growing public interest and online speculation.
Otse was apprehended last Friday at a bank in the Area 3 district of Abuja during a coordinated operation involving the EFCC, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Department of State Services (DSS). Initial reports linked his arrest to allegations of cyberstalking, but the EFCC has now clarified that the action stems from multiple petitions alleging serious financial crimes.
In an official statement released via its verified X (formerly Twitter) account on Tuesday, the anti-graft agency said Otse had been invited for questioning several times over “grave allegations of financial malfeasance,” but repeatedly refused to honour the summons.
“The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, in the exercise of its mandate of tackling economic and financial crimes, invited Martins Innocent Otse owing to a series of petitions bordering on sundry issues of alleged financial crimes raised against him,” the statement read.
“He refused to show up despite several invitations sent to him through his known addresses and mediums of communication. The petitions pertain to serious financial misconduct, which the Commission is duty-bound to investigate.”
The EFCC acknowledged Otse’s vocal criticism of its operations on social media but insisted that such commentary did not influence the decision to arrest him.
“It is needful to admit that the Commission is aware of several unguarded attacks of the suspect against its operations. While such conduct is condemnable, his arrest was not informed by such attacks,” the agency stated. “The relevant law enforcement agency will be allowed to look into them.”
The Commission also confirmed that Otse is currently in lawful custody, backed by a court-issued Remand Order, and has since been offered administrative bail, pending fulfilment of the conditions.
“The EFCC has a lawful right to hold Otse in custody like any other suspect being investigated by the Commission. He has been offered bail and will be released upon meeting the conditions.”
In addressing public reactions, the Commission urged Nigerians to allow it to carry out its duties without undue interference or speculation.
“The EFCC appreciates the interest of Nigerians in its operations. However, insinuations about its motives in carrying out lawful investigations should not continue. The EFCC should be allowed to do its job without fear or favour. As soon as investigations are concluded, appropriate charges will be filed.”
The case of VeryDarkMan’s arrest has sparked major reactions across social media, with supporters and critics clashing over the motivations behind the probe. The latest update suggests that the allegations extend beyond cyber activity and delve into financial crime investigations in Nigeria, a matter the EFCC says it takes seriously.
