Daily Justice - Latest News Updates in Nigeria

Nigeria – The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has announced that Martins Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), will soon face court proceedings following his recent arrest. The social critic was detained on Friday by EFCC operatives in connection with allegations of cyberstalking, prompting widespread attention.

In an interview with BBC News Pidgin, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale disclosed that VDM’s arrest stemmed from multiple petitions accusing him of cyberstalking. “We arrested him to respond to a series of allegations raised against him by some petitioners,” Oyewale explained. He added that VDM would be released upon meeting bail conditions, with the case set to proceed to court promptly. “We are law-abiding,” he affirmed.

Speculation has swirled regarding the motives behind VDM’s arrest, particularly after he announced plans to visit a Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) branch in Abuja to address an alleged unauthorised deduction from his mother’s account. However, Oyewale dismissed any direct link to GTBank, clarifying that the petitions originated from various individuals. “The EFCC owes petitioners a duty of protection,” he stated, underscoring the agency’s commitment to addressing complaints impartially.

VDM, a prominent figure known for his outspoken commentary on social and economic issues, has sparked both support and controversy online. His arrest has ignited debates about freedom of expression and the boundaries of online activism in Nigeria.

The EFCC has not disclosed further details of the allegations or the identities of the petitioners. As the case progresses, all eyes will be on the courtroom developments and their implications for VDM’s public persona and Nigeria’s evolving digital landscape.