The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has refuted claims made by BBC News Pidgin regarding the reason behind the arrest of social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM).
Earlier on Monday, BBC News Pidgin had quoted EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, as confirming that Otse was detained in response to multiple petitions filed against him. The report also indicated that the activist would be released upon meeting his bail conditions and would soon face arraignment.
However, in a swift response posted via its official social media platforms later that evening, the EFCC labelled the BBC report as “fake news,” without offering additional clarification on the matter. The commission also posted a screenshot of the story alongside another post, both marked “fake news.”
LEADERSHIP recalls that VDM was arrested on Thursday, May 2, 2025, shortly after visiting a GTBank branch in Area 3, Garki, Abuja. The circumstances surrounding his arrest have since drawn widespread criticism online.
According to his legal representative, Deji Adeyanju, the activist was deliberately delayed inside the bank’s security exit system to allow EFCC operatives time to arrive.
“VDM was locked inside the GTB exit door for over five minutes to enable EFCC to arrest him and his friend,” Adeyanju said. “We will take legal action against GTB for this treatment.”
The incident has fueled public outcry and triggered a new wave of debate about freedom of expression and the rights of social commentators in Nigeria.
