The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has confirmed the arrest of popular rights activist and social media influencer Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM).

In a statement posted on its official X handle on Tuesday, the anti-graft agency said Otse was apprehended following multiple petitions alleging serious financial misconduct.

According to the EFCC, the activist repeatedly failed to honour several invitations sent to his known addresses and through various channels of communication.

“In the exercise of its mandate to tackle economic and financial crimes, the EFCC invited Martins Vincent Otse in response to several petitions alleging financial wrongdoing. He declined to respond despite repeated summons delivered to his known locations,” the statement read.

The EFCC dismissed public criticism of the arrest, asserting that it has the legal authority to detain Otse during the course of its investigation.

It added that Otse had been granted administrative bail and would be released once he meets the bail conditions.

“The Commission is aware of Otse’s unguarded criticisms of its operations. While these remarks are regrettable, they did not influence his arrest. The relevant law enforcement bodies will address such conduct separately.

“The EFCC has the lawful authority to hold Mr Otse in custody, as it does with any other suspect under investigation. A valid remand order has been obtained. He has been offered bail and will be released upon fulfilling the stipulated conditions,” the statement continued.

The agency further clarified that formal charges would be filed upon conclusion of investigations.

“The Commission appreciates the public’s interest in its activities. While scrutiny is welcome, unfounded allegations against its motives are unhelpful. The EFCC must be allowed to carry out its duties without fear or favour,” it said.

Otse’s arrest on 2 May drew significant public attention, with dozens of young Nigerians protesting in Abuja on Monday. Demonstrators marched from the EFCC headquarters to a nearby commercial bank where Otse was reportedly arrested, brandishing placards bearing messages such as “Release VeryDarkMan” and “Seyi Tinubu, Are You Involved?”

The arrest has also attracted criticism from high-profile figures.

On Monday, former Vice President and 2023 PDP presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar called for Otse’s release, describing his detention as “another blatant abuse of power by the Tinubu administration.”

Similarly, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi condemned the arrest, likening it to an abduction. He warned that such tactics risk being replicated by criminal elements, further eroding public trust in law enforcement.