Popular social media activist, Martins Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has been released from the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) after spending five days behind bars.
His lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, confirmed the news on Wednesday, saying simply, “He has been released.”
VDM was arrested on Friday, May 2, after multiple petitions were filed against him, accusing him of serious financial crimes. The EFCC said he was invited several times for questioning but ignored the invitations.
EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale explained on Tuesday that VDM had been granted administrative bail but was still in custody because he hadn’t met the bail conditions at the time.
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Oyewale said, “The EFCC has a lawful right to hold Otse in custody like any other suspect being investigated. He has been offered administrative bail and would be released after fulfilling all the bail conditions.”
VDM’s arrest sparked protests across Abuja. On Monday, a large crowd gathered at the Guaranty Trust Bank headquarters, chanting “#FreeVDM” and holding signs that read, “Activism is not a sin” and “VDM is the masses’ liberator.”
Some protesters drove through the city to show their support, demanding his immediate release and accusing authorities of trying to silence him for speaking out against public figures.