Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), was arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on May 2.
The arrest has caused spontaneous protests in Nigeria’s capital, Abuja, by youths.
Scores of youths took to the streets, marching from the EFCC headquarters to a commercial bank where VDM was reportedly arrested. They carried placards with messages like “Release VeryDarkMan” and “Seyi Tinubu, Are You Involved?”
VDM’s lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, confirmed the arrest on X (formerly Twitter).
“A team of policemen arrested VDM at GTB. He was arrested with his friend C Park, but they left his mom alone,” Adeyanju wrote.
He added, “This is absolutely unacceptable. Demanding accountability is not a crime.”
The arrest took place since May 2.
EFCC Confirms Arrest, Cites Multiple Petitions
The EFCC confirmed it is holding VDM in detention, saying he was arrested over multiple cyberstalking allegations filed by various individuals.
EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale told BBC Pidgin, “We arrested him to respond to a series of allegations raised against him by some petitioners. We will release him when he meets the bail conditions, and we will take the case to court as soon as possible; we are law-abiding.”
Oyewale clarified that the arrest was unrelated to VDM’s recent accusations against GTBank regarding alleged fraudulent loan approvals.
Some of the protesters had stormed GTBank offices, protesting, believing the arrest was connected to the bank.
Public Outcry and Celebrity Support
Protesters in Wuse, near Berger Bridge, called the arrest illegal and vowed to take their grievances to the Nigerian Human Rights Commission.
Influential Nigerian music superstar Davido added his voice and calling for VDM’s release.
“Outside all the noise, it’s good to see that the good one does actually impact lives and people actually appreciate! The support I’m seeing for VDM everywhere is encouraging, makes one want to do more for the masses. FREE MY GUY,” Davido posted.
EFCC has not clarified when, if at all, it intends to charge VDM to court.
VDM has cut an image of a voice for the voiceless, often at great personal risk, tried to intervene on behalf of the marginalised when he felt their rights were trampled upon.
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