Abuja, NIGERIA — The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has broken its silence over the arrest of Martins Otse, the controversial Nigerian social media commentator popularly known as VeryDarkMan, saying he is being investigated over “grave allegations of financial malfeasance”.
In a statement issued late Monday, the Commission disclosed that it had invited Mr Otse, whose real name is Martins Innocent Otse, for questioning following a spate of petitions filed against him. According to the EFCC, he declined to appear despite “several invitations” delivered through known addresses and communication channels.
“The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, in the exercise of its mandate of tackling economic and financial crimes, invited Martins Innocent Otse owing to a series of petitions bordering on sundry issues of alleged financial crimes raised against him,” the statement read.
“He refused to show up in spite of several invitations sent to him through his known addresses and medium of communication. The petitions pertain to grave allegations of financial malfeasance which cannot be ignored by the Commission,” it continued.
Mr Otse, who has built a loyal online following through outspoken commentary on Nigerian social and political issues, was reportedly arrested on Sunday. His detention has sparked an online outcry, with supporters accusing the EFCC of targeting him in retaliation for his frequent criticism of state institutions.
However, the anti-graft agency insisted that the arrest had nothing to do with his social media activism or the numerous critical posts he has made about the Commission’s operations.
“It is needful to admit that the Commission is aware of several unguarded attacks of the suspect against its operations. While such conduct is condemnable, his arrest was not informed by such attacks,” the statement said. “The relevant law enforcement agency will be allowed to look into them.”
The EFCC confirmed that it had obtained a valid remand order to keep Mr Otse in custody, in accordance with Nigerian law, and noted that he has already been offered administrative bail.
“The EFCC has a lawful right to hold Otse in custody like any other suspect being investigated by the Commission,” the agency added. “The appropriate Remand Order was obtained in this regard. He has been offered an administrative bail and would be released after fulfilling all the bail conditions.”
No further details were provided about the nature of the financial allegations or the specific petitions lodged. However, the Commission emphasised that it remains committed to carrying out its mandate without fear or favour and cautioned against premature conclusions regarding its motives.
“The Commission appreciates the interest of Nigerians in its operations. The passion, enthusiasm and torrential reactions to all of its activities are welcome. However, insinuations about its motive in carrying out its assignment should no longer continue. The EFCC should be allowed to do its job without fear or favour,” it said.
“As soon as investigations are concluded, charges will be filed,” the statement concluded.
Mr Otse’s representatives have yet to issue a formal response to the EFCC’s claims. Efforts to reach his legal counsel for comment on Monday night proved unsuccessful.
The arrest adds to a growing list of confrontations between Nigerian authorities and digital activists, amid rising tensions over freedom of expression and the use of social media as a tool for political dissent.