The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has granted administrative bail to popular Nigerian social media activist Martin Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan.
The bail was announced on Tuesday, May 6, via a statement on the EFCC’s official Facebook page.
https://web.facebook.com/officialefcc/posts/1189921043171097?ref=embed_post
Despite the bail, Otse will remain in custody until he fulfils the conditions of his release.
The EFCC did not disclose the specific terms of the bail but confirmed that Otse is being held pending the perfection of those conditions.
Otse’s arrest stemmed from what the commission described as “multiple grave allegations” related to financial crimes.
According to the EFCC, the influencer had been invited several times for questioning but consistently failed to respond.
“The allegations against Otse bordered on financial crimes, and he had, on several occasions, ignored invitations sent to him by the EFCC,” the agency stated.
While details of the allegations have not been made public, the arrest and subsequent bail have sparked widespread attention online, where Otse commands a large and vocal following.
Known for his outspoken views on social justice and political affairs, Otse has frequently courted controversy with his online activism.
The EFCC emphasised that the investigation remains ongoing and did not indicate when Otse might be released from custody.
Otse’s legal representatives have yet to issue a formal statement regarding the case or the bail conditions.
Meanwhile, reactions from his supporters continue to pour in on social media, with many calling for transparency and due process.
As the situation develops, all eyes remain on the EFCC and Otse’s legal team for the next steps in what is shaping up to be a high-profile case.
