Deji Adeyanju, legal counsel to social media personality and activist Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, has expressed frustration over the challenges faced in securing his client’s release from the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The EFCC, through a statement released Tuesday morning by its Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, announced that Otse had been granted administrative bail. However, he remains in detention pending the completion of his bail requirements.
Oyewale explained that the commission had invited Otse for interrogation following numerous petitions alleging involvement in serious financial misconduct. According to him, the activist was arrested after repeatedly ignoring summons sent to his known addresses and communication channels.
“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 will be released after fulfilling all the bail conditions,” Oyewale stated.
Reacting to the EFCC’s announcement, Adeyanju took to his social media platforms to voice concerns over the unavailability of official bail documents. He claimed the legal team had made several attempts to obtain them without success.
“Bail granted VDM, social media bail, as we are yet to receive any bail document from the commission. We have made several repeated demands in this regard since yesterday, when we were informed about the decision to grant bail,” Adeyanju wrote.
Clarifying the circumstances surrounding Otse’s arrest, Oyewale emphasized that the move was not influenced by the activist’s frequent criticisms of the commission online. He maintained that the detention was strictly based on credible allegations of financial crimes.
“The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, in the exercise of its mandate of tackling economic and financial crimes, invited Martins Vincent Otse owing to a series of petitions bordering on sundry issues of alleged financial crimes raised against him. He refused to show up despite 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,” he said.
“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.”
Oyewale urged the public to avoid speculations and allow the commission to carry out its constitutional duties without interference.
“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,” he added.
