Martins Otse, widely recognized by his online alias, VeryDarkMan, a prominent social media activist, has been released from the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) after a period of detention. The announcement of his release came on Wednesday, disseminated through various social media platforms, primarily by former presidential candidate and activist, Omoyele Sowore, and VeryDarkMan’s legal representative, Deji Adeyanju. This development marks the culmination of a series of events that began with Otse’s arrest following allegations of financial impropriety.
The circumstances surrounding VeryDarkMan’s arrest and subsequent detention revolve around multiple petitions received by the EFCC alleging his involvement in serious financial crimes. The commission asserted that Otse had ignored repeated invitations for questioning sent to his known addresses and communication channels, leading to his eventual apprehension. This explanation provided by the EFCC aimed to justify the arrest and address concerns raised by various individuals and groups about the perceived targeting of the activist.
Following his arrest, VeryDarkMan’s lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, actively pursued his client’s release, navigating the legal procedures involved in securing bail. Adeyanju expressed frustration over what he termed “social media bail,” referring to the EFCC’s initial announcement of bail without the issuance of formal documentation. This apparent delay in processing the necessary paperwork caused concern and raised questions about the transparency of the process. Despite these challenges, Adeyanju’s persistence, coupled with public pressure, eventually led to Otse’s release.
The news of VeryDarkMan’s release was met with widespread relief and celebration, particularly among his supporters and within the online community where he maintains a significant presence. Omoyele Sowore’s announcement on X (formerly Twitter) quickly garnered attention, amplifying the message and confirming the information previously shared by Adeyanju. The collective efforts to secure his release highlighted the power of online activism and the importance of public advocacy in holding institutions accountable.
Deji Adeyanju, in expressing gratitude for the support received during the ordeal, acknowledged the contributions of various individuals and organizations that played a role in securing VeryDarkMan’s release. He specifically mentioned the legal team at DAP Law Firm, headed by Marvin Omorogbe, Omoyele Sowore, prominent political figures like Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar, musician Davido, opposition lawmakers, and the EFCC chairman and his team. This broad spectrum of support underscored the widespread concern over VeryDarkMan’s detention and the collective desire for his swift release.
The case of VeryDarkMan’s arrest and release highlights the complexities of navigating legal processes, the role of public pressure in influencing institutional decisions, and the increasing importance of social media in shaping public discourse and mobilizing support for various causes. While the specific details of the allegations against Otse remain under investigation, his release signifies a victory for freedom of expression advocates and those who champion due process. The incident also serves as a reminder of the potential challenges faced by individuals who utilize social media platforms for activism and commentary, particularly in environments where dissenting voices may be subject to scrutiny or persecution.
