VeryDarkMan Released from EFCC Custody After Public Outcry

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Social media activist Martins Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan, has been freed from the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). His release was confirmed on Wednesday by former presidential candidate and activist Omoyele Sowore via a post on X (formerly Twitter).

Sowore credited collective efforts for securing Otse’s release, stating: “Thanks to unrelenting efforts, @thatverydarkman has been released from unjust detention at the @officialEFCC. He is now with his dedicated lawyer, @adeyanjudeji.”

Otse’s lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, also confirmed the development on X, thanking Nigerians and prominent figures who advocated for his client’s freedom. “VDM has been released to us on bail,” Adeyanju wrote. “Special thanks to @DAPLawFirm, particularly our lead attorney @Marvin_Omorogbe. We appreciate Nigerians, @YeleSowore, Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, Davido, opposition lawmakers, and others who spoke up. I also commend the EFCC chairman for addressing our concerns.”

Adeyanju had earlier criticized the EFCC’s bail process, calling it “social media bail” due to the absence of formal documentation despite the commission’s announcement. “We’ve repeatedly requested bail papers since yesterday when bail was granted, but nothing has been provided,” he stated.

The EFCC, in a Tuesday statement by spokesperson Dele Oyewale, confirmed that VeryDarkMan was granted administrative bail but remained in custody pending the completion of his bail conditions. The commission stated that Otse was arrested after failing to respond to multiple invitations regarding petitions alleging serious financial crimes.

The activist’s release follows days of public pressure and appeals from high-profile supporters.