On May 7, 2025, Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), was released from the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja after a day of questioning.
His lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, confirmed the release, stating that VDM met bail conditions following his arrest on May 6. The EFCC detained the social media activist to investigate multiple petitions against him, including allegations of defamation, cyberbullying, and unreported income sources, though no formal charges have been filed as of his release.
VDM, a controversial figure with over 2 million online followers, was questioned about his content creation methods and claims made on his platforms, including accusations against gospel singer Mercy Chinwo. Chinwo sued VDM for defamation, alleging he falsely claimed she diverted $345,000 from her former manager, Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu, demanding N1.125 billion in damages. Other petitions reportedly involve VDM’s exposés on financial institutions and public figures, which have drawn both praise and legal scrutiny. The EFCC stated it acted on complaints from various individuals, emphasizing its duty to investigate.
The arrest followed an incident at a Guaranty Trust Bank branch in Abuja, where VDM was briefly trapped in an exit door, allegedly to facilitate his detention. Adeyanju described the tactic as deliberate, raising concerns about procedural fairness. VDM’s release comes amid debates about freedom of expression in Nigeria, where activists face increasing legal challenges. The EFCC plans to continue its investigation, potentially arraigning VDM if evidence supports the petitions. His release has reignited discussions about the balance between accountability and online activism in Nigeria’s digital space.