Breaking News: EFCC Grants Bail to VeryDarkMan Over Financial Crime Allegations
Popular social media personality, Martins Innocent Otse, better known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has been granted administrative bail by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). His release is expected once he fulfills the stipulated bail conditions.
The EFCC disclosed this development on Tuesday via its verified Facebook page, revealing that Otse was arrested following multiple petitions alleging his involvement in various financial crimes.
According to the anti-graft agency, Otse had been invited on several occasions to respond to the allegations but failed to honour the invitations sent to his known addresses and through familiar communication channels.
“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 statement read.
The Commission emphasized that the allegations are serious and could not be ignored. It also noted that while Otse had publicly criticized the EFCC in the past, his arrest was based solely on the petitions and not in retaliation for his comments.
“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 EFCC clarified.
In compliance with legal procedures, the agency secured the appropriate remand order for Otse’s detention. However, with the bail now granted, he is expected to be released once all conditions are met.
“The EFCC has a lawful right to hold Otse in custody like any other suspect being investigated by the Commission,” it added.
While appreciating the public’s keen interest in its operations, the EFCC urged Nigerians to allow the agency to carry out its duties without interference.
“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 statement concluded.