By Charles Pemu 
Abuja, Nigeria — Following last week’s headlines reporting the controversial arrest of outspoken social media personality Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), new developments have emerged.
EFCC sources have confirmed that the arrest stemmed from multiple petitions alleging cyberstalking, harassment, and online intimidation, acts allegedly violating provisions of the Cybercrimes Act, 2015. While the agency is yet to release an official statement, a source within the commission clarified:
“He was arrested due to consistent reports of harassment and harmful online conduct. We are in the process of compiling a formal charge sheet.”
The specific identities of complainants remain undisclosed, although the case is expected to advance swiftly, with charges possibly being filed as early as Monday, April 29.
VDM’s arrest adds to an already complex legal history. In May 2024, he was arraigned on five counts of cyberstalking involving the Nigeria Police Force and actresses Iyabo Ojo and Tonto Dikeh. He faced impersonation charges in November 2024, and in September, was slammed with a ₦1 billion defamation suit by Bobrisky, following a viral AI-generated voice recording scandal.
Most recently, in April 2025, he was served with a court order mandating his arrest over defamatory remarks directed at gospel singer Mercy Chinwo, with demands for a public apology.
Deji Adeyanju, legal counsel to VDM, confirmed he is returning to Abuja on Monday to secure his client’s release:
“I’ll be at the EFCC headquarters by 4 p.m. to begin the bail process. As of now, no formal charge has been communicated to us.”
VDM’s arrest reportedly followed a viral outcry over unauthorised withdrawals from his mother’s GTBank account, which he publicly protested — a move many believe may have influenced his swift detention.
Prominent human rights advocate Omoyele Sowore condemned the arrest, stating:
“This is a misuse of power. The EFCC is not mandated to handle defamation or civil cybercrime complaints. Their actions suggest an intent to suppress dissent.”
Sowore has demanded unconditional release, accusing the EFCC of overreach and misuse of its prosecutorial powers.
Awaiting Official Statement
Efforts to reach EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale have so far been unsuccessful. However, sources inside the Commission have hinted at an imminent public statement to clarify the Commission’s legal stance and ongoing investigations.