Nigerian activist, Martins Vincent Otse, widely recognized as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has been released from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) after spending five days in detention.
Before his release, his arrest on May 2, 2025, sparked widespread public outcry and protests across Nigeria.
Arrest and Detention
VDM was apprehended shortly after visiting a Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) branch in Abuja with his mother to address unauthorized withdrawals from her account. Following his arrest, the EFCC confirmed that he was detained due to multiple petitions alleging his involvement in financial crimes. The agency stated that despite several invitations, Otse failed to respond, leading to his arrest.
Public Reaction
The detention of VDM led to significant public backlash. Supporters took to the streets and social media platforms, demanding his immediate release. Prominent figures, including activist Omoyele Sowore and human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju, voiced their concerns over his continued detention. Additionally, the Take It Back Movement and other civil society groups condemned the arrest, viewing it as an infringement on free speech.
Release and Aftermath
On May 7, 2025, VDM was granted administrative bail by the EFCC. The commission emphasized that his release was contingent upon meeting specific bail conditions. Following his release, VDM expressed gratitude to his supporters and reiterated his commitment to activism and holding authorities accountable.
The incident has reignited debates about the balance between national security and individual rights in Nigeria, with many calling for greater transparency and adherence to due process in law enforcement actions.
