Reactions have trailed the press statement released by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) yesterday regarding its ongoing investigation of Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), who was recently taken into custody following multiple petitions alleging financial crimes.
The case has generated significant public interest, with social media platforms flooded with comments both supporting and criticising the EFCC’s actions. Many of Otse’s followers have questioned the timing of the arrest, suggesting it may be connected to his frequent criticism of government institutions rather than genuine financial crimes.
“Let me be absolutely clear: the EFCC’s statement regarding VDM is nothing short of a veiled attempt to justify a politically-motivated arrest. It reeks of desperation, half-truths, and a deliberate effort to criminalize dissent,” wrote social media user Excel (@metanotverse), who questioned the agency’s procedures.
“The Commission claims that VDM ignored several invitations. Where are the receipts? Where are the documented notices served to his verified address or communication channels?” Excel continued, suggesting the EFCC may have created “narratives after the fact to suit an agenda.”
The statement particularly raised eyebrows when the Commission admitted awareness of VDM’s “unguarded attacks,” which many interpret as the true motivation behind the arrest.
“What’s even more suspicious is the EFCC’s admission that they’re ‘aware’ of his ‘unguarded attacks.’ That’s the real issue here—VDM speaks truth to power,” the critic added.
Not all responses were critical of the agency’s actions. User Edo-Wizard (@davidoghe) offered a more nuanced take: “GTB has been vindicated… We all know VDM ignored the invitation of the EFCC after he came back from China.”
However, even this supporter criticised the manner of arrest, noting the EFCC operated “like criminals like SARS” and pointing out discrepancies between the agency’s statement and information from VDM’s lawyer.
A supposed medical professional, Asexual Doctor (@Choji_ES), was particularly scathing: “Whoever typed that EFCC statement deserves to be arrested too; for crimes against sense and grammar.”
The user raised several questions about the agency’s process: “So let’s get this straight: you claimed to have invited VDM multiple times, yet you arrested him quietly in a bank? Where are the petitions? What are the charges?”
According to the EFCC, Otse was invited for questioning “owing to a series of petitions bordering on sundry issues of alleged financial malfeasance.” The Commission had stated that despite sending several invitations through his known addresses and communication channels, Otse refused to appear.
“The petitions pertain to grave allegations of financial malfeasance which cannot be ignored by the Commission,” the EFCC stated in its release.
In what appears to be an attempt to address public speculation about the timing of the arrest, the EFCC acknowledged awareness of “several unguarded attacks of the suspect against its operations” but insisted the arrest was not motivated by these criticisms.
“While such conduct is condemnable, his arrest was not informed by such attacks. The relevant law enforcement agency will be allowed to look into them,” the statement clarified.
The EFCC confirmed it has obtained a remand order to hold Otse in custody as investigations continue, which it described as standard procedure. “The EFCC has a lawful right to hold Otse in custody like any other suspect being investigated by the Commission,” the statement read.
However, the Commission also revealed that Otse “has been offered an administrative bail and would be released after fulfilling all the bail conditions,” suggesting his detention may not be prolonged if he meets these requirements.
The statement concluded by acknowledging public interest in the case while requesting space to conduct its investigation properly. “The Commission appreciates the interest of Nigerians in its operations. The passion, enthusiasm and torrential reactions to all of its activities are welcome. However, insinuations about its motive in carrying out its assignment should no longer continue.”
The EFCC indicated that formal charges would be filed once investigations are completed.
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