An insider source from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has confirmed that social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), is set to be released today, Tuesday, May 6, 2025. The announcement comes after days of public outcry and protests following his arrest on Friday, May 2, 2025, outside a GTBank branch in Abuja.
According to Vanguard News Paper, multiple charges are being prepared against Verydarkman, especially on several petitions alleging cyberstalking and related offences.
The EFCC has been under pressure to release VeryDarkMan, who has gained a significant following on social media for his outspoken views on various issues, including corruption and government accountability. His arrest sparked widespread condemnation from his supporters and human rights activists, who argued that it was an attempt to silence dissent.
The BBC has stated that the petitions against Verdarkman isn't related to GT Bank but the petitions are from different people and they owe the people rights to protect them. He added We will release VDM when all the bail conditions are met and the case will be taken to court as soon as possible.
Background of the Arrest
The EFCC stated that VDM’s detention was in response to multiple petitions filed against him, including allegations of cyberstalking and claims related to gospel singer Mercy Chinwo. On Monday, May 5, 2025, VDM was interrogated for hours in the presence of his legal team, with the agency reportedly planning to arraign him in court on Thursday, May 8, 2025.
The arrest triggered significant backlash, with protests erupting in Abuja on Monday, May 5, 2025. Demonstrators, including youths and supporters, stormed the GTBank branch in Area 3, chanting “#FreeVDM” and holding placards with messages like “Activism is not a sin” and “Stop Weaponising EFCC.” Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar also condemned the arrest, describing it as a “blatant abuse of power” and a violation of free speech by the Tinubu administration.
EFCC Denies BBC's Report on Verydarkman Release
EFCC has labeled the initial reports of his release as fake news
. The agency’s spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, had previously confirmed to BBC News Pidgin that VDM was detained due to multiple complaints, though the EFCC later refuted certain media claims. This inconsistency has fueled public skepticism about the agency’s transparency.
As VDM’s release is anticipated today, attention now turns to the EFCC’s planned court arraignment on May 8, 2025. Legal experts suggest that the charges, potentially related to cybercrime and defamation, could set a precedent for how Nigeria’s anti-corruption agency handles social media activism. VDM’s lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, has vowed to take legal action against GTBank for its alleged role in the arrest, signaling that the controversy is far from over.
VeryDarkMan, known for his bold critiques of public figures and institutions, has become a polarizing figure in Nigeria. His supporters view him as a champion of the voiceless, while critics argue his methods sometimes cross legal boundaries. Regardless, his detention has reignited debates about free speech and the role of agencies like the EFCC in regulating online discourse.