- Safiu Kehinde
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has freed Nigerian social media influencer, Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, from its custody.
This was confirmed in a post on Instagram by the activist’s manager, Koko Pee.
As captured in the video, the elated manager announced VeryDarkMan’s freedom after five days in EFCC’s custody.
“VDm is free, We won, nothing can stop our shine. Kokopee said.
Also confirming VeryDarkMan’s release was Human Rights lawyer, Deji Adeyanju.
The activist’s lawyer, disclosed that he was released on bail as he expressed gratitude his other legal counsels as well as human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, and 2023 Labour Party’s Presidential candidate, Peter Obi.
He also extended his gratitude to former Nigerian Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, afrobeat musician, Davido, and opposition lawmakers
Adeyanju also thanked the EFCC Chairman, Ola Olukoyede, for listening to his concerns since VDM’s arrest.
“VDM released to us on bail. Special thanks to @DAPLawFirm especially the head of our firm @Marvin_Omorogbe.
“Thank you Nigerians for speaking up for him. Thank you Egbon @YeleSowore.
“Thank you HE Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, Davido, opposition lawmakers, etc.
“I must also thank the chairman of EFCC for indulging and listening to all my concerns since on Friday last week and his team. The struggle continues.” The lawyer wrote.
NPO Reported that Verydarkman was on Friday apprehended at a Garki branch of Guarantee Trust Bank (GTBank) in Abuja by a group of armed operatives confirmed to be EFCC officials.
He was allegedly locked in the bank’s security door before the arrival of the EFCC officials who whisked him away alongside his friend.
In a statement issued yesterday, the EFCC, in defense of his arrest, claimed to have earlier issued several invitations to the activist which he allegedly turned down.
While maintaining that his arrest was not borne out of his criticisms of the commission, the EFCC held that it had the right to hold Verydarkman in custody like any other suspect.
The commission diclosed that he has been granted administrative bail and will be released when the bail conditions are met.
However, the anti-graft agency’s initial silence over VDM’s detention led to protest which took place in several parts of the country.
On Monday, Abuja protesters stormed the GTBank branch where the activist was arrested.
They would march to the EFCC’s headquarters yesterday with Nigerian socialite, Isaac Fayose, joining the protesters in demand for VeryDarkMan’s release.
Prior to release today, the protesters stormed the National Assembly complex to drive home their demand.