Key Points

• EFCC detains VeryDarkMan following cyberstalking complaints.

• Influencer previously accused agency of corruption and misconduct.

• Legal counsel plans to secure his release promptly.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested social media influencer Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, over allegations of cyberstalking.

An EFCC source, speaking anonymously, confirmed the arrest on Sunday, citing multiple complaints that Otse used his platforms to harass and intimidate individuals, potentially violating the Cybercrimes Act of 2015.

Otse’s outspoken commentary has previously led to legal challenges. In May 2024, he faced five counts of cyberstalking at the Federal High Court in Abuja, related to alleged online harassment of the Nigeria Police Force and actresses Iyabo Ojo and Tonto Dikeh.

He pleaded not guilty and was remanded until his bail hearing.

In November 2024, Otse was charged with impersonation for allegedly dressing as a police officer. He again pleaded not guilty and was granted bail set at ₦2 million.

Prior accusations against EFCC and legal entanglements

Otse has been a vocal critic of the EFCC, accusing the agency of corruption. In September 2024, he released a voice recording alleging that crossdresser Bobrisky bribed EFCC officials with ₦15 million to dismiss money laundering charges.

Bobrisky denied the claim, asserting the recording was fabricated using AI technology.

These allegations prompted the EFCC to invite both Bobrisky and Otse for questioning, as the agency initiated an internal investigation into the bribery claims.

The House of Representatives also resolved to probe the allegations against the EFCC and the Nigerian Correctional Service, following a motion highlighting concerns over the integrity of these institutions.

In April 2025, Otse faced a court order for his arrest over alleged defamatory remarks against gospel singer Mercy Chinwo. The court directed him to delete the content and issue a public apology.

Legal counsel responds to latest arrest

Deji Adeyanju, legal counsel to Otse, confirmed plans to secure his client’s release. Speaking from abroad, Adeyanju stated he would return to Abuja to address the situation with the EFCC.

“I’m currently not in Nigeria, but I’ll be back in Abuja tomorrow afternoon. By 4 p.m., we’ll be at the EFCC to secure his bail,” he said.

Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore condemned the arrest, describing it as an attempt to silence Otse for exposing alleged corruption within the EFCC.

Sowore emphasized that the EFCC lacks the legal mandate to prosecute individuals for criminal defamation or cybercrime, which are typically handled through civil litigation.

As of now, the EFCC has not publicly disclosed the specific charges against Otse. Efforts to reach EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale for comment were unsuccessful.