After spending five days in EFCC custody, Nigerian social media critic Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has been released on bail. His lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, confirmed the news on Wednesday evening, thanking Nigerians for their support and advocacy.
VDM was arrested on Friday after visiting a Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) branch in Abuja with his mother to address alleged unauthorized withdrawals from her account. His detention sparked widespread outrage, with celebrities and political figures—including Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, and Davido—calling for his immediate release.
The EFCC later revealed that VDM’s arrest was based on multiple petitions accusing him of financial malfeasance. The commission claimed he had ignored previous invitations, leading to his eventual detention.
Following intense public pressure, VDM was granted bail, marking a significant moment in Nigeria’s ongoing debate about activism, human rights, and government accountability. His release highlights the power of social media in influencing legal and political decisions.
