Breaking News: EFCC Grants VDM Bail

Content creator Martin Otse, known as Very Dark Man, has been granted bail by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) after being detained.

Otse was taken into custody on Friday at the premises of Guaranty Trust Bank in Abuja by a combined team of EFCC, DSS and Police. The EFCC had invited him for questioning over alleged financial crimes but the financial watchdog claim he declined to appear despite several invitations.

Protesters gathered at the GTB premises in Abuja on Monday in solidarity with Otse with his followers urging GTB account holders to boycott the bank. His detention has also sparked widespread outrage on social media, with several notable figures, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, and musicians Davido, Rudeboy, and Mr P, among others, expressing their concerns.

Clearing the air on the legality of Otse’s arrest, the EFCC statement said, “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.”

Otse, a social activist, had been vocal about his criticisms of Seyi Tinubu, the son of President Tinubu, over allegations of involvement in the mistreatment of a factional NANS president. The EFCC has stated that Otse’s arrest was not connected to his online activities, but rather part of their investigation into the alleged financial crimes. “It is needful to admit that the Commission is aware of several unguarded attacks of the suspect against its operations. 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.”

The commission also assured the public that it will conduct a thorough investigation and file charges once the probe is concluded.