The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has explained why it arrested popular rights activist Martins Vincent Otse, also known as VeryDarkBlackMan (VDM).
Speaking to BBC News Pidgin, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale said the arrest was made following several petitions from individuals who had complaints against the activist.
The EFCC have said VeryDarkBlackMan “refused to show up in spite of several invitations sent to him through his known addresses and medium of communication,” adding that “the petitions pertain to grave allegations of financial malfeasance which cannot be ignored by the Commission.”
“We arrested him to respond to a series of allegations raised against him by some petitioners,” Oyewale said.
When asked if the petitions were connected to GT Bank, he explained that the complaints came from different people and that the EFCC has a duty to protect the identities and interests of those who reported the matter.
The EFCC noted that it “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 has been offered an administrative bail and would be released after fulfilling all the bail conditions.”
Oyewale also confirmed that the activist was arrested in Abuja.
The development comes shortly after VeryDarkMan went to a bank in Abuja with his mother to inquire about her account.
