The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has confirmed the arrest of Martins Innocent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan following multiple petitions alleging serious financial misconduct.
A statement by the the anti-graft agency on Tuesday, said Otse has now been offered administrative bail and will leave when he fulfills his bail conditions.
The EFCC added that VeryDarkMan repeatedly ignored several invitations sent to his known addresses and communication channels, prompting law enforcement action.
The EFCC stated that the petitions it received detailed grave allegations of financial crimes that warrant thorough investigation.
EFCC affirmed its legal right to detain any suspect under investigation and revealed that a valid Remand Order was obtained for Otse’s custody.
According to the agency, he has since been offered administrative bail and will be released upon meeting the conditions.
The statement reads: “The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, in the exercise of its mandate of tackling economic and financial crimes, invited Martins Innocent Otse owing to a series of petitions bordering on sundry issues of alleged financial crimes raised against him. He refused to show up in spite of several invitations sent to him through his known addresses and medium of communication. The petitions pertain to grave allegations of financial malfeasance which cannot be ignored by the Commission.
“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 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. He has been offered an administrative bail and would be released after fulfilling all the bail conditions.
“The Commission appreciates the interest of Nigerians in its operations. The passion, enthusiasm and torrential reactions to all of its activities are welcome. However, insinuations about its motive in carrying out its assignment should no longer continue.
“The EFCC should be allowed to do its job without fear or favour. As soon as investigations are concluded, charges will be filed,” the statement added.
The activist, known for his controversial commentaries on social issues and public figures in Nigeria, was reportedly picked up at Guarantee Trust Bank in Abuja by EFCC operatives.
Deji Adeyanju, a vocal advocate for civil liberties, accused the EFCC of engaging in what he described as “arbitrary detention” and called for the immediate release of his client.
