Allege use of force, blindfolding, and absence of clear charges during detention
Legal representatives of Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), have raised serious concerns over his continued detention by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) without a clear explanation of the charges against him.
In a statement released by Deji Adeyanju & Partners, the law firm alleged that EFCC operatives failed to properly inform their client of the reason for his arrest and resorted to force and intimidation during his apprehension.
According to the statement signed by Zainab M. Otega, Esq., VDM and his associate, Steven Avuara (aka C-Pack), were arrested on May 2, 2025, outside the Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) branch in Garki, Abuja, shortly after inquiring about unauthorized deductions from the account of VDM’s mother.
The lawyers claim that both men were beaten and blindfolded at gunpoint by individuals in black uniforms, allegedly EFCC operatives, and were forcibly taken to the EFCC Headquarters in Jabi, Abuja.
“They were locked inside the bank’s security door for over five minutes, and upon exiting, they were accosted, assaulted, and threatened by armed men,” the statement said.
The law firm said its representatives—Marvin Omorogbe, Esq., and Steven Eze, Esq.—visited the EFCC to inquire about the arrest but were denied access to VDM. However, they were able to speak with Mr. Avuara, who narrated the ordeal and expressed fear over VDM’s state of mind due to alleged psychological trauma.
The EFCC reportedly presented a warrant of arrest allegedly issued by Chief Magistrate Njideka Iloanya-Duru of Wuse Zone 2, Abuja, citing cyberstalking as the basis for the arrest. The legal team, however, described the warrant as a “kangaroo process” and said no formal charges have been communicated.
Efforts to gain clarity on the allegations against Mr. Avuara were also unfruitful, as EFCC officials allegedly attempted to interrogate him without providing any specific charges—prompting the lawyers to walk out of the session in protest.
“Our firm insists on adherence to constitutional procedures. EFCC cannot extract statements from a detainee without first informing him of the specific offense,” the statement added.
The lawyers called on the EFCC to uphold the rule of law and fundamental human rights as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution, while continuing engagements with the commission for a lawful resolution of the matter.
