The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has issued a clarification regarding the arrest and ongoing investigation of social media personality Martins Innocent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), amid growing public speculation.
According to reports, Otse was apprehended last Friday during a coordinated operation involving the EFCC, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Police Force.
The arrest took place at a bank in Area 3, Abuja, with initial reports linking it to alleged cyberstalking.
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However, in a statement released on Tuesday via its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, the EFCC stated that Otse was invited based on multiple petitions accusing him of involvement in serious financial crimes.
The agency emphasized that its investigation is distinct from earlier claims surrounding his arrest.
The EFCC’s statement reads: “The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, in the exercise of its mandate of tackling economic and financial crimes, invited Martins Vincent Otse owing to a series of petitions bordering on sundry issues of alleged financial crimes raised against him. He refused to show up in spite of several invitations sent to him through his known addresses and medium of communication. The petitions pertain to grave allegations of financial malfeasance which cannot be ignored by the Commission.
“It is needful to admit that the Commission is aware of several unguarded attacks of the suspect against its operations. 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 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 would be released after fulfilling all the bail conditions.
“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 should be allowed to do its job without fear or favour. As soon as investigations are concluded, charges will be filed.”
 has issued a clarification regarding the arrest and ongoing investigation of social media personality Martins Innocent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, amid growing public speculation.){kind=link}