VDM Released After Five Days in EFCC Custody.

Abuja, Nigeria— Social media activist Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has been released from the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) after five days.

This was confirmed by his legal representative, Deji Adeyanju, who told our correspondent on Wednesday, “He has been released.”

Otse had been in EFCC custody since Friday, May 2, following his arrest over multiple petitions alleging serious financial crimes.

The EFCC, in a statement issued on Tuesday by its Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, explained that Otse was granted administrative bail but remained in custody due to the failure to meet the bail conditions at the time.

“The EFCC has a lawful right to hold Otse in custody like any other suspect under investigation. He has been granted an administrative bail and will be released once all the bail conditions are met,” the statement read.

Protests erupted in response to his arrest, with large crowds gathering outside the Guaranty Trust Bank headquarters in Abuja on Monday.

Chanting “FreeVDM” and holding placards with messages such as “Activism is not a sin” and “VDM is the masses’ liberator,” the demonstrators accused authorities of targeting Otse due to his vocal criticism of public figures and institutions. Some protesters also drove through the city in solidrarity, calling for his immediate release.

By Adeola Olaniya| May 8, 2025