The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has explained why it arrested Mr. Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM).
EFCC, in a statement posted on its X handle on Tuesday, disclosed that VDM was arrested following series of petitions bordering on sundry issues of alleged financial crimes raised against him.
The Commission explained that several invitations were extended to him via his known addresses and medium of communication, but refused to show up.
Although the anti-graft agency could not disclosed the name of those who filed the petitions against him, but noted that the petitions pertain to grave allegations of financial malfeasance which it could not be ignored.
While stating that the several unguarded attacks of the suspect against its operations were condemnable, the Commission explained that his arrest was not informed by such attacks, saying that the relevant law enforcement agency would be allowed to look into them.
It however, noted that it has a lawful right to hold Otse in custody like any other suspect being investigated by the Commission, saying that appropriate Remand Order was obtained in that regard.
Nevertheless, it disclosed that VDM has been offered an administrative bail and would be released after fulfilling all the bail conditions.
The statement said “the Commission appreciates the interest of Nigerians in its operations. The passion, enthusiasm and torrential reactions to all of its activities are welcome. 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,” it said.
TheFact Daily had reported that VDM was arrested by operatives of the EFCC on Friday, after visiting the Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) branch in Area 3 to rectify an alleged unauthorised transaction from his mother’s account.
Following his arrest, hundreds of youths yesterday stormed the EFCC Headquarters in Abuja to demand his immediate release.
Meanwhile, the former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, while reacting to the incident stated that his arrest and continued detention by EFCC, was a blatant abuse of power by the President Tinubu-led administration.
He said, even more alarming was the fact that Mr. Otse remains in custody without any formal charges- a flagrant violation of his constitutional rights and a chilling reminder of the growing authoritarianism under the present government.
