The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has confirmed that social media activist Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), will be released once he fulfills his bail conditions.

Speaking to BBC News Pidgin on Monday, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale explained that VDM’s arrest was in response to multiple petitions filed by individuals alleging misconduct. “We arrested him to respond to a series of allegations raised against him by some petitioners,” Oyewale stated. He added that the matter will be courted as soon as possible.

VDM was arrested by EFCC operatives in Abuja, sparking widespread criticism on social media, with many viewing the move as a targeted crackdown on outspoken figures.

According to reports, a group of youths protested in the streets of Abuja on Monday, calling for VDM’s immediate release and decrying what they perceive as an attack on free expression.