The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has stirred up intense public reaction following a statement released on its official Facebook page on Tuesday, defending the recent arrest of controversial social media personality, Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VDM (VeryDarkMan).
In a detailed post titled “EFCC’s Case against Martins Vincent Otse,” the anti-graft agency confirmed that VDM was invited over “a series of petitions bordering on sundry issues of alleged financial crimes.” The Commission claimed that despite repeated invitations sent to his known addresses and communication channels, Otse refused to honour them, prompting his arrest.
The EFCC stressed that the arrest was not connected to VDM’s frequent and often scathing public criticisms of the Commission, although it acknowledged awareness of his “unguided attacks.” The agency added that it obtained the appropriate remand order and has offered Otse administrative bail, pending the fulfilment of all conditions.
But rather than calm public concern, the EFCC’s statement has provoked a storm of criticism, especially from civil society advocates, media personalities, and citizens who view the move as heavy-handed and lacking transparency.
Omoyele Sowore, journalist and former presidential candidate, dismissed the EFCC’s statement as “vague, vacuous and self-serving.” He demanded clarity on the exact offense that led to what many have described as a “violent arrest.”
Similarly, Ottah Kalu Ottah, a public affairs analyst, lambasted the Commission, urging it to “refocus on its core mandate to tackle high-profile corruption that’s devastating millions of Nigerians.” He added that the EFCC must prioritize institutional reform over “perceived selective targeting,” and cautioned against “suppressing dissenting voices.”
Another social commentator, Jethro Mark, expressed skepticism over the EFCC’s motives, saying, “I don’t know why an agency as this will bring up this kind of talk as the reason for VDM’s arrest. You guys can do better than this.”
Popular writer and influencer Martin Beck Nworah was even more scathing: “This is vague and provides no new information beyond the speculation already in the public domain. You mentioned ‘petitions’ and ‘allegations’ but provided no clear details regarding both. I score una 2/10 (2 because of the ChatGPT jargons) and with all due respect, I pour una spit!”
The incident has once again brought to the fore concerns over transparency, fairness, and political neutrality in Nigeria’s anti-corruption war. Critics argue that while the EFCC has a legal duty to investigate allegations of financial crimes, the perceived opacity in high-profile arrests and the Commission’s handling of public communications continue to undermine trust.
Meanwhile, supporters of VDM are demanding either his immediate release or full disclosure of the allegations against him, warning that the agency’s credibility is on the line.
As the EFCC promises to file charges upon conclusion of its investigations, all eyes remain on the unfolding case, with Nigerians watching closely to see if justice, in its truest and fairest sense, will be served.
What do YOU make of the EFCC’s explanation? Do you believe this arrest is justified, or is it a case of silencing a critic? Drop your thoughts below!
Written By Queen Diana Story
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