By Andrew Haruna | Abuja
Popular social media activist and influencer Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has once again been arrested—this time by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)—over allegations bordering on cyberstalking.
A source within the Commission, who spoke to The Bureau on condition of anonymity, confirmed the arrest on Sunday, citing multiple petitions accusing Otse of using his online platforms to harass, insult, and intimidate individuals in ways that may violate the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act of 2015.
The official declined to name the complainants or provide details about the specific nature of the complaints.
A History of Legal Battles
This latest arrest adds to a growing list of legal challenges facing the outspoken content creator. In May 2024, VDM was arraigned at the Federal High Court in Abuja on five counts of cyberstalking tied to online content allegedly targeting the Nigeria Police Force and Nollywood stars Tonto Dikeh and Iyabo Ojo. He pleaded not guilty and was remanded in custody pending bail.
By November 2024, new legal issues emerged as VDM was charged with impersonation before an Abuja Chief Magistrate Court, following claims that he dressed and acted like a police officer. He again pleaded not guilty and was granted ₦2 million bail.
In September 2024, VDM was dragged to court by crossdresser Idris Okuneye (Bobrisky) in a ₦1 billion defamation lawsuit, after an audio clip—allegedly circulated by VDM—suggested Bobrisky bribed EFCC officials to quash money laundering allegations. Bobrisky denied the claims, saying the audio was fabricated using AI technology.
Things escalated in April 2025, when a court issued a warrant for VDM’s arrest over allegedly defamatory statements made against gospel singer Mercy Chinwo. He was ordered to delete the content and issue a public apology.
Lawyer and Activists React
VDM’s legal representative, Barrister Deji Adeyanju, confirmed his client’s arrest in a phone interview with The Bureau from abroad. He revealed that the arrest occurred shortly after VDM publicly confronted a GTBank branch in Abuja over unauthorised deductions from his mother’s account.
“I’m currently outside the country but will return to Abuja by Monday afternoon. We’ll be at the EFCC headquarters by 4 p.m. to begin the bail process,” Adeyanju said.
He added that the EFCC has not formally disclosed the specific allegations against Otse.
Meanwhile, rights activist and Sahara Reporters publisher Omoyele Sowore condemned the arrest, describing it as a politically motivated attempt to silence a vocal critic of the EFCC.
“It’s now clear that the EFCC unlawfully arrested Martins Vincent Otse, aka VeryDarkMan, in retaliation for his public criticism of the agency’s leadership and operations,” Sowore said.
“The EFCC has no legal mandate to prosecute issues such as cyber defamation or libel. These are civil matters. His arrest is not only unlawful but also a blatant abuse of power,” he added.
Sources within the Commission indicate that formal charges may be filed as early as Monday, although The Bureau was unable to obtain official comment from EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale, whose lines remained unreachable at press time.
