The legal team representing Martins Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has raised significant concerns over the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) failure to formally charge their client following his arrest on May 1, 2025.
Zainab Otega, one of Otse’s attorneys, confirmed that her client was subjected to prolonged questioning the previous day, with fellow defense counsel Marvin Omorogbe present to observe the process.
Despite initial reports from the EFCC indicating that Otse had been granted administrative bail, the latest updates show that he remains in custody. His legal representatives have remained tight-lipped regarding the specifics of the bail terms or any conditions attached.
In its defense, the EFCC has maintained that Otse’s detention is part of its ongoing efforts in the fight against corruption. The commission further emphasized that the process has been conducted in full compliance with legal procedures and fairness.
Otega expressed serious concern about the focus of the interrogation, which she described as being centred on unrelated matters. These include VeryDarkMan’s handling of naira notes at a nightclub, the monetisation of his social media accounts, comments made about a Nigerian gospel artiste, his tax records, and sources of income.
She argued that such a line of questioning indicates the EFCC was ‘fishing for evidence’, rather than pursuing a legitimate case.
“The EFCC’s refusal to inform our client of the specific allegations against him constitutes a fundamental breach of his constitutional rights,” she added.
The legal team has demanded the immediate release of Otse or, alternatively, that he be charged in court if the EFCC has any credible allegations against him.
Otega stressed that his continued detention beyond the constitutional limit of 24 hours was unlawful.
“We are, therefore, calling on the commission to either release Mr. Otse immediately or charge him to court if there is indeed a case to answer,” she stated.
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Otega also urged Nigerians to exercise their constitutional right to peaceful protest while refraining from taking the law into their own hands.
“We are grateful to Nigerians for the interest they have shown in this case,” she added, appealing for calm amidst rising public tension.
VDM arrested fairly in our anti-corruption fight —EFCC
In a statement issued yesterday by Dele Oyewale, Head of Media and Publicity, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) clarified that Martins Otse had repeatedly ignored multiple invitations for questioning, despite efforts to reach him through various channels.
While condemning his lack of cooperation, the EFCC emphasized that Otse’s arrest was not prompted by his past criticisms of the commission. “The relevant law enforcement agencies will be allowed to investigate these matters,” the statement read, alluding to Otse’s previous attacks on the EFCC’s operations.
The commission reaffirmed its legal right to detain Otse as investigations continue, noting that a valid Remand Order had been obtained. “The EFCC is aware of the suspect’s numerous unfounded attacks on its operations,” the statement continued, underscoring the commission’s commitment to upholding the integrity of its investigative procedures.