The EFCC has secured a court order to remand social media activist, Martins Otse aka VeryDarkMan (VDM) Verydarkblack Man, pending the conclusion of investigation into alleged cybercrime offences.
VDM was arrested last Friday outside a GTBank branch in the Wuse area of Abuja by a combined team of EFCC operatives, officers of the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigeria Police Force.
Eyewitnesses say he was accosted shortly after exiting the bank premises.
His arrest sparked widespread outrage on social media, with the hashtag #FreeVDM trending across platforms throughout the weekend. Critics have accused authorities of using security agencies to silence dissenting voices.
Sources close to the investigation confirmed that the EFCC is preparing to file charges under Nigeria’s Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act which empowers the commission to investigate & prosecute cybercrimes, particularly those involving financial and economic crimes.
“The remand order was granted to allow us complete our investigation and finalize the charges,” a senior EFCC official sai, adding that “he would be arraigned once we conclude that process, and the charges are expected to be substantial.”
As of Monday morning, VDM remains in custody of the EFCC. His legal representative @adeyanjudeji issued a formal statement last week confirming that they are seeking access to him and reviewing possible legal action)s).
VDM has gained a large following in recent months for his fiery, often controversial commentary on Nigerian politics, celebrity culture, and corruption. His arrest adds to growing concerns over press freedom and freedom of expression in Nigeria’s digital space.
The EFCC has not issued an official statement on the arrest or the charges, but I’ll continue to monitor developments and report as this story unfolds.
Credit: Facebook/Abiodun Sanusi
