Popular activist and social media influencer, Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has been released from the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
His lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, confirmed the release in a phone conversation.
VDM was arrested by EFCC operatives in Abuja last Friday, sparking widespread backlash on social media. Prominent figures including Atiku Abubakar, Peter Obi, and Davido had called for his immediate release.
On Monday, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale confirmed the arrest, stating it was based on multiple petitions filed against the activist. He added that the agency was obligated to protect the identities of the petitioners.
“We arrested him to respond to a series of allegations. He will be released once bail conditions are met, and the case will proceed to court,” Oyewale said.
Meanwhile, youths staged a protest in Abuja on Monday morning, denouncing the arrest as unlawful and demanding VDM’s release. The demonstrators carried placards and chanted slogans in support of the activist.
