The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested Martins Vincent Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan, for alleged cyberstalking.
A source at the EFCC confirmed this on Sunday, May 4, 2025, saying his arrest followed several complaints.
“We picked him up based on several complaints that he used his social media platforms to harass, insult, and intimidate individuals,” the source said.
The EFCC believes his actions may have violated the Cybercrimes Act of 2015. The agency did not reveal who made the complaints or give more details.
Lawyer Plans to Secure His Release
VeryDarkMan’s lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, also confirmed the arrest. He said he was working on getting his client out on bail.
“I’m currently not in Nigeria, but I’ll be back in Abuja tomorrow (Monday) afternoon. By 4 p.m., we’ll be at the EFCC to secure his bail,” Adeyanju said.
According to Adeyanju, the EFCC has not yet told them the exact offence.
Reports suggest the Commission may file formal charges against VeryDarkMan by Monday.
Peter Obi Speaks Out
Peter Obi, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, has reacted to the arrest. He said recent actions by security agents are worrying.
“The recent developments in our nation continue to raise serious concerns about the direction we are headed as a democracy,” he wrote on his 𝕏 account.
“The arrest of Martin Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), though perhaps within the legal rights of security agencies, was carried out in a manner that left many Nigerians unsettled.”
“The display of force, lacking in transparency and civility, closely resembled an abduction,” Obi added. “If Nigerians begin to struggle to distinguish between legitimate arrests and unlawful abductions, we will lose a vital layer of national security and accountability.”
He said this kind of approach has been seen before.
“Even our esteemed judges, the last line of defence for justice, have suffered similar indignities in recent years.”
Obi warned that if judges are treated this way, ordinary citizens will not feel safe.
Impact on Business and Nigeria’s Image
Peter Obi also talked about how these issues may hurt Nigeria’s economy and investor confidence.
“These methods are beginning to affect our economy and business environment,” he said. “The backlash directed at GTBank, allegedly linked to the circumstances surrounding Mr. Otse’s arrest, has had serious reputational consequences.”
He said the arrest could have been handled better.
“Was it impossible to invite Mr. Otse in a civil, transparent, and legal manner?” Obi asked. “Would that not have spared Nigerians, GTBank, and our national image the unnecessary shame and losses we now witness?”
Obi on NANS and Seyi Tinubu Controversy
Obi also spoke about the reported conflict between Seyi Tinubu, the son of President Bola Tinubu, and a faction of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS).
He said students must be free to speak up and should not be forced into political agendas.
“Similarly troubling are allegations surrounding the so-called adoption of the NANS President. If true, it raises critical questions about the independence of student leadership,” he said.
“Nigeria’s youth should not feel coerced, silenced, or absorbed into political agendas that do not reflect their will.”
Obi ended with a hopeful message.
“We must return to a Nigeria where justice is done and is seen to be done without theatrics or abuse,” he said. “A country where youth can speak freely, judges can serve with dignity, and institutions act responsibly.”
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