The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has officially confirmed the arrest of popular social media personality Martins Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan, over what it described as “serious allegations of financial misconduct.”
In a statement released on Tuesday, the anti-corruption body revealed that Otse had been invited multiple times for questioning regarding a number of petitions linked to alleged financial crimes. However, he allegedly failed to respond to any of the summons.
“Martins Innocent Otse was invited owing to a series of petitions bordering on sundry issues of alleged financial crimes raised against him,” the EFCC said.
The Commission claimed that several invitations had been sent to Otse through his known addresses and communication channels, but he did not honour them.
“He refused to show up in spite of several invitations sent to him,” the statement added.
Responding to public speculation surrounding the motive behind Otse’s arrest, the EFCC urged Nigerians to refrain from jumping to conclusions and allow the agency to carry out its constitutional mandate.
“The EFCC should be allowed to do its job without fear or favour,” the agency stated, assuring that “as soon as investigations are concluded, charges will be filed.”
The Commission also addressed Otse’s history of outspoken criticism against its operations, making it clear that his arrest was unrelated to those comments.
“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 statement read.
Reinforcing the legality of its actions, the EFCC noted that a valid remand order was obtained to detain Otse during the investigation.
“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,” it stated.
The agency concluded by confirming that Otse has been granted administrative bail and would regain his freedom once he meets the set conditions.
