Controversial social media critic, Mr. Martins Innocent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, has been granted administrative bail by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and will be released upon the perfection of his bail conditions.
The anti-corruption agency disclosed that it arrested the social media personality due to several petitions received against him on allegations bordering on financial crimes.
The EFCC, in a statement on its verified Facebook page on Tuesday, explained that Otse was invited in line with its mandate to tackle economic and financial crimes.
“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 noted that Otse refused to honour the invitations sent through his known addresses and communication channels.
EFCC stressed that the petitions involve serious allegations of financial malfeasance, which could not be overlooked.
“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 relevant law enforcement agency will be allowed to look into them,” the statement added.
The EFCC clarified that it had obtained a valid remand order and lawfully detained Otse like any other suspect under investigation.
“He has been offered an administrative bail and would be released after fulfilling all the bail conditions.”
The Commission acknowledged the strong public interest in its operations and welcomed the reactions and engagement from Nigerians.
“However, 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 Commission concluded.
