Popular social media activist and influencer, Martins Vincent Otse, better known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has been released on bail following his arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The arrest happened on Friday at a branch of Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) in Abuja.
VDM’s legal representative, Deji Adeyanju, confirmed his release, stating that the EFCC granted bail after days of engagement with the commission.
According to Adeyanju, special thanks go to Marvin Omorogbe, head of their legal firm, and all Nigerians who spoke out in support. He also appreciated high-profile supporters such as Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, Davido, and other opposition figures who demanded VDM’s release.
The arrest of VDM sparked massive public attention and stirred up controversy across digital platforms. Young Nigerians and influencers voiced their concerns about what they saw as an abuse of power, further fueling the public conversation around freedom of speech and the responsibilities of law enforcement.
On Monday, the EFCC officially confirmed VDM’s arrest. Their spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, explained that the commission was acting on petitions received from members of the public. He emphasized that EFCC must protect the identities of those who file such complaints and clarified that the case would proceed to court once bail conditions had been met.
Following his detention, several youths protested in Abuja, demanding justice and his immediate release. The protestors labeled his arrest as unfair and accused the agency of silencing a voice that speaks out for the people.
This incident has once again brought national focus to issues surrounding digital rights, legal activism, and public accountability.
The attention from influential voices and political figures has highlighted the growing power of online advocacy in Nigeria. With VDM now out on bail, many Nigerians are watching to see how the case develops.