The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has released Social media activist, Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, from custody.
This was confirmed by Verydarkman’s lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, via his X handle on Wednesday night. “VDM released to us on bail,” Adeyanju tweeted.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelHe expressed appreciation to all who played various roles that led to VeryDarkMan’s release.
“Special thanks to @DAPLawFirm, especially the head of our firm @Marvin_Omorogbe. Thank you Nigerians for speaking up for him. Thank you Egbon @YeleSowore. Thank you HE Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, Davido, opposition lawmakers, etc.,” Adeyanju stated.
Also, former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC), Omoyele Sowore, announced VeryDarkMan’s release via his X handle.
“Thanks to unrelenting efforts of all @thatverydarkman has been released from unjust detention at the @officialEFCC! He is with his ebullient lawyer, @adeyanjudeji,” the rights activist tweeted.
The EFCC, in a statement on Tuesday announced that VeryDarkMan had been granted administrative bail. It said the rights activist would, however, remain in custody until his bail conditions are fulfiled.
In the statement signed by its Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, the commission said VeryDarkMan was arrested over complaints against him bordering on alleged financial misconduct.
However, VeryDarkMan’s lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, also a human rights activists accused the EFCC of granting his client “social media bail.” He said while agency announced that administrative bail has been granted to VeryDarkMan, it was yet to issue formal bail documents, thereby frustrating the bail process.
In his tweet on Wednesday night, Adeyanju also thanked the chairman of EFCC for listening to all the concerns he had raised since Friday last week when the activist was apprehended. “The struggle continues,” he added.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with seven years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Master's degree in Mass Communication.