EFCC releases VeryDarkMan after five (5) days in detention
By Okiki Adeduyite
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| Picture of VeryDarkMan |
Martins Otse, the social media activist widely known as VeryDarkMan, has been released from the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), marking the end of a period of intense public scrutiny and advocacy for his freedom. The release was officially announced on Wednesday, bringing relief to his supporters and raising questions about the circumstances surrounding his initial detention.
The news of VeryDarkMan's release was first shared by former presidential candidate and activist, Omoyele Sowore, who took to his X handle to express his satisfaction. "Thanks to unrelenting efforts of all @thatverydarkman has been released from unjust detention at the @officialEFCC. He is with his ebullient lawyer, @adeyanjudeji," Sowore tweeted, conveying a sense of victory and gratitude.
VeryDarkMan's lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, also confirmed the release on Wednesday with a post on X, extending his appreciation to Nigerians and various public figures who had spoken out in support of his client. "VDM released to us on bail," Adeyanju wrote, underscoring the collaborative effort that led to his release.
Adeyanju further acknowledged the contributions of several key individuals and organizations, adding, "Special thanks to @DAPLawFirm, especially the head of our firm @Marvin_Omorogbe. Thank you Nigerians for speaking up for him. Thank you Egbon @YeleSowore. Thank you HE Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, Davido, opposition lawmakers, etc. I must also thank the chairman of EFCC for indulging and listening to all my concerns since on Friday last week and his team. The struggle continues," he said. This comprehensive expression of gratitude highlighted the diverse range of support that VeryDarkMan received during his time in custody.
Video of VDM when he was released
Prior to the official release, Adeyanju had voiced his frustration with the EFCC's handling of the bail process, characterizing it as "social media bail" due to the commission's failure to issue formal bail documents, despite their announcement that his client had been granted administrative bail. "Bail granted VDM, social media bail, as we are yet to receive any bail document from the commission. We have made several repeated demands in this regard since yesterday, when we were informed about the decision to grant bail," Adeyanju had stated, conveying a sense of unease about the lack of official documentation.
The EFCC, in a statement issued on Tuesday by its Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, confirmed that VeryDarkMan had indeed been granted bail but remained in custody pending the fulfillment of his bail conditions. This statement sought to clarify the situation and address the growing public concern over the delay in his release.
According to the commission, the activist was initially invited for questioning in connection with multiple petitions alleging serious financial crimes. The EFCC asserted that he was arrested after allegedly ignoring repeated invitations sent to his known addresses and communication channels, suggesting that he had been evading authorities. The release of VeryDarkMan on bail marks the end of one chapter in this ongoing saga, but the underlying allegations and the circumstances surrounding his arrest are likely to continue to be debated and scrutinized in the coming days.