The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission has confirmed the arrest of Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, over what it called “serious financial crime allegations.”
In a statement on Tuesday, May 6, the EFCC said it arrested Otse after he failed to respond to several invitations linked to petitions accusing him of financial misconduct.
“Martins Innocent Otse was invited owing to a series of petitions bordering on sundry issues of alleged financial crimes raised against him,” the EFCC said.
According to the anti-graft agency, Otse ignored multiple messages sent to his known addresses and contact points. “He refused to show up in spite of several invitations sent to him,” the agency stated.
The EFCC also responded to public reactions following Otse’s arrest, asking Nigerians to avoid speculation and allow the agency to do its job.
“The EFCC should be allowed to do its job without fear or favour,” the statement said. “As soon as investigations are concluded, charges will be filed.”
The Commission added that Otse’s past online criticisms of the EFCC did not influence his arrest. “While such conduct is condemnable, his arrest was not informed by such attacks,” it explained.
EFCC also stated that a valid court order was obtained to keep Otse in custody during the investigation. “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,” it added.
The Commission confirmed that Otse has been granted administrative bail and will be released once he meets the bail conditions.
