Popular Nigerian social critic Martins Vincent Otse, known as VeryDarkMan, has revealed the reason behind his recent arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Detained on May 2, 2025, after visiting a GTBank branch in Abuja, his arrest sparked widespread public outcry and protests from fans and celebrities who condemned the detention as unlawful.
After spending five days in custody, VeryDarkMan was released on May 7. In a viral video following his release, he disclosed that the EFCC suspected him of involvement in money laundering. However, he expressed disbelief at the allegations, stating, “They think I am into money laundering, how would they put money laundering for person wey no get money? I have done so many charities, and them they wonder how. They don’t know that I use debt for charity.”
VeryDarkMan emphasized that he does not possess the wealth that would justify such suspicions and highlighted his charitable activities, which he funds through borrowing. He appeared alongside his lawyer in the video, signaling ongoing legal support.
His arrest is part of a series of legal challenges he has faced over the past two years, including previous allegations of cyberstalking, defamation, and impersonation. The EFCC confirmed that his detention was linked to multiple petitions alleging financial crimes, and he was granted administrative bail pending further investigation.
The activist’s arrest and subsequent release have intensified debates about freedom of expression and the role of law enforcement in Nigeria, with civil society groups calling for transparency and due process in his case.