Deji Adeyanju, the attorney for social media figure and activist Martins Otse, known as VeryDarkMan, expressed frustration over the challenges faced in obtaining his client’s release from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The EFCC announced in a statement from its Media and Publicity Head, Dele Oyewale, on Tuesday morning that VeryDarkMan had been granted administrative bail but remained detained until he met the bail conditions.
Oyewale revealed that Otse was summoned for questioning following multiple petitions accusing him of serious financial offenses. He explained that Otse was arrested after repeatedly failing to respond to the EFCC’s invitations sent to known addresses and contact methods.
“The EFCC has the legal authority to detain Otse like any other suspect under investigation. A proper remand order was acquired. He has been offered administrative bail, which he will receive after satisfying all bail requirements,” Oyewale stated.
In response to the EFCC’s announcement, Adeyanju took to social media to express that his legal team had encountered difficulties obtaining the documents outlining VeryDarkMan’s bail conditions, emphasizing that they had made numerous attempts without success.
“Bail has been granted to VDM; however, we have not yet received any bail documentation from the commission. We have repeatedly requested this information since yesterday when we learned of the bail decision,” Adeyanju commented.
Regarding the circumstances that led to VDM’s arrest, Oyewale clarified that the arrest was lawful and not a response to what he termed “reckless attacks” by Otse on the EFCC’s operations online.
He added, “The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, invited Martins Vincent Otse due to various petitions alleging serious financial crimes against him. Despite several invitations sent to him via known addresses and communication channels, he failed to appear. These petitions raise serious concerns about financial wrongdoing that the Commission cannot overlook.”
He acknowledged the suspect’s negative remarks towards the EFCC but emphasized that these comments did not influence his arrest, stating that appropriate law enforcement would follow up on them.
Oyewale urged the public to refrain from speculating and allow the EFCC to fulfill its constitutional duties without interference, stating, “We appreciate Nigerians’ interest in our work, but speculation regarding our motives must cease. The EFCC should be permitted to carry out its responsibilities impartially. Charges will be filed once investigations are completed.”
Since news of his arrest surfaced, there has been public outcry, with supporters widely calling for his release. On Monday, numerous protesters gathered at the GTB headquarters in Abuja to demand his freedom.
His detention has also sparked condemnation from various individuals, including Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s presidential candidate for the 2023 election, as well as legal professionals and fans.
