The true reason behind the arrest of Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, has now been officially revealed following his detention by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
According to a source within the EFCC who spoke anonymously, the arrest was made following several complaints that Otse had used his online platforms to harass, insult, and intimidate people actions that may violate Nigeria’s Cybercrimes Act of 2015.
The identities of those who filed the complaints have not been revealed.
Otse’s lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, confirmed the arrest and said he would return to Abuja on Monday to seek his client’s release.
He added that the EFCC had not yet clearly stated what specific offences Otse is being accused of.
Human rights activist Omoyele Sowore criticised the arrest, claiming it was an unlawful attempt to silence Otse for allegedly exposing corruption within the EFCC itself.
Sowore argued that the EFCC has no legal authority to prosecute cases involving cyber defamation or libel, which are usually civil matters, and called for Otse’s immediate release.
The EFCC is reportedly preparing formal charges against Otse, which may be filed as early as Monday.
Attempts to reach the EFCC’s spokesperson for more information were unsuccessful.
