The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has confirmed the arrest of activist Martins Vincent Otse, known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), following multiple petitions alleging...

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has confirmed the arrest of activist Martins Vincent Otse, known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), following multiple petitions alleging serious financial misconduct against him. The EFCC stated that VDM repeatedly ignored several invitations to appear for investigation, prompting his detention. They clarified that his arrest was not related to his public criticisms of the EFCC or any attacks on the agency but strictly due to the financial allegations. A valid remand order was obtained for his custody, and he has now been offered administrative bail, pending fulfillment of bail conditions.

Regarding the involvement of Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank), the bank has denied any complicity in VDM’s arrest. GTBank released CCTV footage  showing that VDM completed his business at their Garki branch and left before his arrest, which occurred elsewhere in Abuja. The bank emphasized that the arrest was unrelated to his visit to the branch and condemned the misinformation linking them to the incident. Legal representatives of VDM also confirmed that the arrest was carried out by EFCC operatives and not on bank premises.

The arrest has sparked widespread condemnation and public outrage, including protests and attacks on GTBank branches in some areas, along with calls for boycotts of the bank. The EFCC has urged the public to allow the commission to carry out its duties without interference as investigations continue