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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has justified its latest arrest and detention of Martins Innocent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan.
In a statement on Tuesday, the commission said his arrest was in line with its exercise of its powers to tackle economic crimes and in response several petitions on allegations of financial crimes.
The statement by Dele Oyewale, the commission’s Spokesman, noted that the commission had invited Martins Innocent Otse owing to a series of petitions bordering on sundry issues of alleged financial crimes raised against him.
“He refused to show up in spite of several invitations sent to him through his known addresses and medium of communication,” EFCC states.
“The petitions pertain to grave allegations of financial malfeasance which cannot be ignored by the Commission.
“It is needful to admit that the Commission is aware of several unguarded attacks of the suspect against its operations. While such conduct is condemnable, his arrest was not informed by such attacks. The relevant law enforcement agency will be allowed to look into them.
“The EFCC has a lawful right to hold Otse in custody like any other suspect being investigated by the Commission. The appropriate Remand Order was obtained in this regard. He has been offered an administrative bail and would be released after fulfilling all the bail conditions.
“The Commission appreciates the interest of Nigerians in its operations. The passion, enthusiasm and torrential reactions to all of its activities are welcome. However, insinuations about its motive in carrying out its assignment should no longer continue. The EFCC should be allowed to do its job without fear or favour. As soon as investigations are concluded, charges will be filed.”
Human rights lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, on Monday stated that there was no official petition filed against VeryDarkMan (VDM) as alleged by EFCC
Adeyanju, who serves as legal counsel to Otse, had disclosed this after visiting the activist at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja.
He had expressed serious concerns over the agency’s failure to provide justification for the arrest, which he said lacks any legal foundation.
“Got into the country this evening and went straight to VDM at EFCC. Just left him,” Adeyanju said in a statement shared on his social media handles.
“We still cannot understand why he was arrested. EFCC said there’s no petition against him after our repeated demand.”
The activist, known for his controversial commentaries on social issues and public figures in Nigeria, was reportedly picked up at Guarantee Trust Bank in Abuja by EFCC operatives.
Adeyanju, a vocal advocate for civil liberties, accused the EFCC of engaging in what he described as “arbitrary detention” and called for the immediate release of his client.