The arrest of Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known on social media as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has been formally confirmed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

The arrest occurs in the midst of intense internet conjecture and public interest in the cause of his incarceration.

Speaking to BBC News Pidgin on Monday, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale disclosed that the social media activist was arrested by the commission after many allegations were submitted by different people.

“We arrested him to respond to a series of allegations raised against him by some petitioners,” Oyewale stated.

READ ALSO: Dkoko Pee Calls For Official Statement From EFCC Regarding VeryDarkman’s Arrest

Online reports connected the arrest to a possible Guarantee Trust Bank (GTB) issue, but Oyewale denied any particular connection, pointing out that the allegations came from a variety of sources.

He underlined that the main duty of the EFCC is to look into all legitimate petitions while keeping the identities of individuals who come forward private.

When asked directly about GTB, he responded, “The petitions came from various individuals,” and reinforced the agency’s role by adding, “We are responsible for protecting them.”

Oyewale also revealed that the EFCC is getting ready to file official charges against Otse. He gave the public the assurance that everything is being done legally.

“We will release him when he meets the bail conditions and we will take the case to court as soon as possible; we are law-abiding,” he said.

VeryDarkMan, who has a sizable fan base and is accustomed to public disputes, is well-known for his audacious and frequently contentious social commentary on the internet.

READ MORE: Cubana Chief Priest Demands For The Release Of VeryDarkman

Although his arrest has generated a lot of debate, the EFCC’s statement clarifies the matter and emphasises the agency’s dedication to accountability and due process.

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See some reactions below:

@spotless43:
“With everything wey una type, una no still talk anything wey make sense”

@blexinblair_couture:
“‘Everything wey e think say no good’ Abi ‘everything wey no good’ BBC pidgin make una talk well ooh”

@katelegend:
“Whatever reasons una get nor still make sense….. Free him nag we wan hear”

@chineduegems:
“When did efcc turn to police? Abi no be to fight corruption be their mandate. Wetin concern them with petition”

@kellytrigger1:
“You may not like his tone.
You may not agree with his style.
But you can’t deny that VeryDarkMan speaks up when many stay silent.
He’s loud but for the voiceless.
He’s stubborn but for the truth.
Nigeria is hard enough. Silencing the few bold ones only makes it worse.
Let’s not stay silent on this! #FreeVDM!✊”

@dignity_pj:
“So na EFCC dey penalize people for cyberstalking now😂. They’re no longer into financial and economic crimes😂”

@giftejechine:
“Multiple petitions from his h@ters, they are pained because VDM has done what the Govt cannot do for 9igerians. Once you chose to do the right thing, know it that you are stepping on people’s toes more especially wick€d and €vil fellows. God protect VDM 🙏 he will be free 🙏”