Abuja, Nigeria — The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) don confirm say dem arrest popular rights activist Martins Vincent Otse, wey dem sabi as Verydarkblackman (VDM), on Friday. Di arrest happen for Abuja, and di EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, release di statement to BBC News Pidgin.
According to Oyewale, dem arrest VDM based on petitions wey some complainants bring come forward with grievances against am. E talk say, “We arrest am to respond to series of allegations raised against am by petitions.” He add say dem go release am as e meet di bail conditions, and dem go carry di case go court soon.
Di arrest come after VDM voice out against suspicious deductions wey dey happen on im mama account for GT Bank. Rumors don spread for social media say VDM bin dey miss before dem confirm say na EFCC hold am. His supporters don start online protests, and some don declare plans to protest physically for Abuja.
As di situation dey unfold, popular figures like Peter Obi, di Labour Party presidential candidate, and musician Davido don raise their voices to support VDM. Obi condemn di way VDM dey arrested, comparing am to kidnapping, while Davido dey call for im immediate release.
In a video wey surf for social media, some mentees and supporters of VDM go EFCC office carry food for am, but dem return say di security no gree allow anybody see am or give am food. Activist Omoyele Sowore accuse di EFCC of wanting to silence VDM because of im prominent stand against corruption.
Di lawyer wey dey represent VDM, Deji Adeyanju, also express frustration about di arrest process. According to am, EFCC officials show dem an arrest warrant signed by Chief Magistrate Njideka Iloanya Duru for allegation of cyberstalking against VDM. Deji Adeyanju go follow up di case intensely as dem no happy with di way EFCC handle di detention.
VDM na outspoken philanthropist wey dey known for im activism against government officials and corruption. Dis no be di first time VDM face arrest; e don face multiple arrests and court cases because of im controversial stances. In March 2025, Chief Magistrate Court issue warrant of arrest for am wey concern criminal defamation after a popular gospel musician, Mercy Chinwo, accused him.
For October 2024, police detain am after e honor their invitation, following accusations dat e wear police uniform to create social media content. VDM later gain release on bail. Earlier in February 2025, e accuse EFCC of planning to arrest am due to a video wey show am spray money, claiming dey no get enough evidence until di video surface.
As Nigerians react on social media, many don express anger over di ethos of di EFCC, dey advocate for di immediate release of VDM. With protests brewing, di fate of VDM dey look uncertain while di public demand for accountability from both di EFCC and di bank.
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