VeryDarkMan Still in EFCC Custody Despite Bail Grant, Lawyer Raises Alarm Over Delay
Controversial activist and social media influencer, Martins Otse, aka VeryDarkMan, remains in EFCC custody despite being granted bail. His lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, says efforts to secure his release are frustrated by the commission's failure to provide bail documentation.
GistTrend.com reports that Deji Adeyanju, legal counsel to popular social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has raised concerns over the continued detention of his client by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The EFCC had earlier announced that VDM was granted administrative bail, but remains in custody due to pending fulfilment of bail conditions. In a statement released on Tuesday by its Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, the agency noted that Otse had been invited for interrogation regarding multiple petitions alleging financial crimes.
According to Oyewale:
“The EFCC has a lawful right to hold Otse in custody like any other suspect being investigated by the commission. The appropriate remand order was obtained in this regard. He has been offered an administrative bail and will be released after fulfilling all the bail conditions.”
However, Adeyanju claims that his team has been unable to obtain official bail documents:
“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.”
The EFCC stressed that Otse was arrested after failing to honour multiple invitations sent to his known addresses and through other communication channels. The agency also dismissed claims that the arrest was in retaliation for VDM’s vocal criticism of its operations.
Oyewale added:
“While such conduct is condemnable, his arrest was not informed by such attacks. The petitions pertain to grave allegations of financial malfeasance which cannot be ignored.”
He urged the public to avoid speculation and allow the commission to carry out its constitutional duties without interference:
“The EFCC should be allowed to do its job without fear or favour. As soon as investigations are concluded, charges will be filed.”
Since the news of Otse’s arrest broke, public outcry has surged, with many demanding his release. On Monday, a crowd of protesters stormed the GTBank headquarters in Abuja, while high-profile voices like Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, legal professionals, and loyal fans have also condemned the arrest.
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