VDM: EFCC Sources Explain Arrest, HURIWA Slams Agency Over Alleged Abuse of Power
Abuja, Nigeria — Social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has been arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations of cyberstalking, according to sources within the agency.
An EFCC official, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated: “We picked him up based on multiple complaints alleging that he used his platforms to harass and intimidate individuals. These actions may violate the Cybercrimes Act of 2015.”
However, the EFCC has not publicly identified those who filed the complaints or provided specific charges. Deji Adeyanju, VDM’s lawyer, confirmed he will meet with EFCC officials in Abuja to seek his client’s release, noting that the agency has yet to clearly state the alleged offence.
Rights Groups and Activists Condemn Arrest
The arrest has sparked sharp condemnation from human rights advocates and civil society groups. Omoyele Sowore, a vocal critic of the government, said the arrest was a retaliatory move by the EFCC following VDM’s corruption allegations against the agency.
“The EFCC has no mandate to prosecute criminal defamation or cybercrimes — these are civil matters,” Sowore said, calling for VDM’s immediate release.
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) also issued a scathing statement. Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, the group’s coordinator, accused the EFCC of becoming a “tool of oppression” rather than a corruption watchdog.
“It is unconscionable that a citizen who questioned unauthorized bank deductions is now treated like a criminal,” HURIWA said, referring to Otse’s inquiry at a GTBank branch in Abuja, which allegedly led to his arrest alongside his associate, Steven Avuara (aka C-PACK). Both were reportedly blindfolded and beaten during the arrest.
Legal Team Alleges Rights Violations
VDM’s legal team, Deji Adeyanju & Partners, confirmed he is being detained under a warrant signed by Magistrate Njideka Iloanya-Duru, citing cyberstalking charges. In a statement by Zainab M. Otega, Esq., the firm decried the violent and unlawful nature of the arrest, stressing that their client has remained silent due to trauma.
“This is a violation of his fundamental human rights,” the statement read.
EFCC Accused of Selective Justice
HURIWA emphasized that the EFCC’s actions highlight a pattern of selective justice. “While individuals implicated in high-level embezzlement walk free, an activist seeking answers from a bank is detained and abused,” said Onwubiko.
The group warned the EFCC to uphold constitutional rights or face legal consequences, reiterating that the right to free expression and fair hearing is guaranteed by law.
“This isn’t just about VeryDarkMan — it’s about protecting every Nigerian’s right to ask questions in a democracy,” HURIWA concluded.
