The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has granted administrative bail to controversial social media critic Martins Innocent Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan, and he will be released if his bail conditions are met.
The anti-corruption office also announced that it had arrested the social media star in response to various petitions filed against him on charges of financial crimes.
“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 EFCC said.
It further added that VDM refused to show up, in spite of several invitations sent to him through his known addresses and medium of communication.
EFCC stressed that the petitions pertain to grave allegations of financial malfeasance which cannot be ignored by the Commission.
“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 relevant law enforcement agency will be allowed to look into them.
“The EFCC has a lawful right to hold Otse in custody like any other suspect being investigated by the Commission,” EFCC said.
In effecting the arrest and remand, the commission revealed that an appropriate remand order was obtained in this regard by the commission, stressing, “He has been offered an administrative bail and would be released after fulfilling all the bail conditions.”
The Commission appreciates the interest of Nigerians in its operations, welcoming the passion, enthusiasm and torrential reactions to all of its activities.
“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. As soon as investigations are concluded, charges will be filed,” the Commission said.
