The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Tuesday explained that it arrested and detained controversial blogger and social media influencer, Martins Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan (VDM) for alleged financial malfeasance and failure to honour several invitations extended to him.
A statement by Dele Oyewale, the Spokesperson of the EFCC said Otse was by the commission in connection with series of petitions, bordering on alleged financial crimes it received.
While admonishing the public to refrain from speculation over the agency’s motives, Oyewale said “The EFCC should be allowed to do its job without fear or favour”, adding that, “As soon as investigations are concluded, charges will be filed”.
He said, “Martins Innocent Otse was invited owing to a series of petitions bordering on sundry issues of alleged financial crimes raised against him” but failed to show up in spite of several invitations sent through his known addresses and communication channels.
According to him, “He refused to show up in spite of several invitations sent to him. EFCC is aware of several unguarded attacks made by Otse against its operations; his arrest was not motivated by those actions.
“While such conduct is condemnable, his arrest was not informed by such attacks. The relevant law enforcement agency will be allowed to look into them”.
Insisting that the EFCC had acted within the law by detaining Otse, he disclosed that a valid remand order was obtained to keep him in custody while investigations continue.
Oyewale further asserted that “The EFCC has a lawful right to hold Otse in custody like any other suspect being investigated by the commission. The appropriate remand order was obtained in this regard”.
He said that Otse had been offered administrative bail and would regain his freedom upon meeting the bail conditions.