Osamagbe Imadiyi
Well-known social media activist Martins Otse, also referred to as VeryDarkMan, has been freed from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s custody. His lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, confirmed his release on Wednesday, telling our correspondent simply, “He has been released.” Since his arrest on several petitions alleging serious financial crimes, Otse has been in the custody of the EFCC since Friday, May 2.
Dele Oyewale, the EFCC’s Head of Media and Publicity, revealed in a statement on Tuesday that the controversial internet personality was given administrative bail but was still being held until his bail requirements were met. Oyewale claimed that after Otse repeatedly declined invitations to be questioned via known addresses and communication channels, the commission was able to obtain a valid remand order for his arrest. “The EFCC has a lawful right to hold Otse in custody like any other suspect being investigated by the Commission. “He has been granted administrative bail and will be released upon meeting all bail requirements,” the agency stated.
Protests over his arrest were widespread, and on Monday, a sizable crowd stormed the Guaranty Trust Bank headquarters in Abuja. Protesters chanted “#FreeVDM” and held signs that read, “Activism is not a sin” and “VDM is the masses’ liberator.” They also claimed that Otse was being singled out by the government for his vocal criticism of institutions and public figures. In solidarity, some protesters also drove through the city, which heightened calls for his quick release.
