Nigeria's Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has issued a statement defending its recent arrest and ongoing detention of prominent social media influencer and activist, Martins Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan.
In a post shared on its official Facebook page, the EFCC asserted that it could not overlook the numerous petitions it had received concerning "grave allegations of financial crimes" leveled against VeryDarkMan. The statement elaborated: "The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, acting within its mandate to combat economic and financial offenses, invited Martins Innocent Otse due to a series of petitions detailing various alleged financial crimes. Despite multiple invitations sent to his known addresses and communication channels, he failed to appear. These petitions involve serious accusations of financial misconduct that the Commission cannot simply disregard."
The EFCC also addressed VeryDarkMan's prior criticisms of the agency's operations, stating: "While the Commission acknowledges the suspect's numerous unwarranted attacks against its work, his arrest was not motivated by these actions. The relevant law enforcement agency will handle those matters separately."
The statement further emphasized the EFCC's legal authority to detain suspects under investigation: "The EFCC possesses the lawful right to hold Otse in custody, consistent with the treatment of any other individual under investigation by the Commission. A proper Remand Order has been obtained in this regard. He has been offered administrative bail and will be released upon fulfilling all stipulated bail conditions."
Concluding its statement, the EFCC expressed appreciation for public interest in its activities: "The Commission welcomes the passion, enthusiasm, and significant reactions to its work from Nigerians. However, ongoing insinuations regarding its motives in executing its duties should cease. The EFCC should be allowed to perform its responsibilities without fear or favor. Upon the conclusion of investigations, appropriate charges will be filed."
