The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has provided clarification on the arrest and detention of Martins Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), stating that the action followed his failure to respond to multiple official invitations.
In a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale said the popular social media personality was being investigated over allegations related to financial misconduct.
Oyewale explained that the commission had received several petitions against Otse, all linked to alleged financial crimes.
His refusal to honour earlier summons, according to the EFCC, prompted the decision to take him into custody for questioning.
He urged the public to refrain from speculation over the agency’s motives and allow it to carry out its constitutional duties.
”The EFCC should be allowed to do its job without fear or favour. As soon as investigations are concluded, charges will be filed.
”Martins Innocent Otse was invited owing to a series of petitions bordering on sundry issues of alleged financial crimes raised against him,” he said.
Oyewale said the suspect had failed to show up in spite of several invitations sent through his known addresses and communication channels.
”He refused to show up in spite of several invitations sent to him. EFCC is aware of several unguarded attacks made by Otse against its operations; his arrest was not motivated by those actions.
”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,” he added.
Oyewole said the EFCC had acted within the law by detaining Otse, disclosing that a valid remand order was obtained to keep him in custody while investigations continue.
”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 said.
He said that Otse had been offered administrative bail and would regain his freedom upon meeting the bail conditions.
