EFCC Finally Confirms Arrest of VDM, Shares Petitions Filed Against Him, People React: "Chai"

• The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has announced the arrest of social media user Verydarkman (VDM), following repeated call-outs
• The anti-graft agency, through its spokesperson Dele Oyewale, made this known on Monday and stated the reasons behind it
• When questioned if the matter was related to Guarantee Trust Bank (GTB), Oyewale dived in with more details that have got many talking online

Nigeria's financial crime police, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has confirmed apprehending famous critic Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as Verydarkman (VDM).

The EFCC confirmed VDM's detention to BBC News Pidgin.

The spokesperson for the commission, Dele Oyewale, stated on Monday that they arrested the activist based on petitions from certain complainants who had concerns against VDM.

"We arrest am to respond to series of allegations raised against am by some petitioners," Oyewale stated.

When BBC Pidgin enquired if the petitions were tied to GTBank, he said they were from different people, and it was the petitioners' responsibility to preserve them.

He added: "We go release am wen e meet di bail conditions and we go carry di case go court as soon as possible, we dey law abiding".

In the final notes, the agency confirmed that the activist was arrested in Abuja.

Nigerians react to Verydarkman's case

Legit.ng compiled various comments on the trending issue.

See them below:

ologomedia said:

"Multiple petition wey pass Yaya Bello own? Chai my country my country?."

sarahinneh said:

"This is just oppression 😢 they’ve said 5 different reasons for his arrest it’s obvious there’s more to it."

happiness_vic wrote:

"Can't they mention the petition 🙄, I sha know it can't be a fraudulent act, VDM is the only activist with integrity 👌."

postopaul336 said:

"Please someone balance me quick, is EFCC no longer in charge of financial crimes? Is EFCC also charged with the duty of cyber stocking and defamatory utterances now? Naija is finished."

kennedy10752 said:

"Na EFCC work now to arrest people based on petition, what’s then the work of the police?"

afreindofgod's profile picture said:

"In a sane country before you make an arrest you' you read the petition or the crime committed by the person, then give them the option to remain silent or contact a lawyer, if your crime are not read to you before your arrest the judge has the right to rule out all the charges against you. But in Nigeria you get kidnapped to an unknown location without the knowing your crimes with no rights to a lawyer, then they release a press statement to the media."

realjoshblaze said:

"You see the power we have just because we unite and spoke up, now they are scared.. if we fit unite forget tribalism and religion, this country will definitely get better."

"It's Illusional for VDM to believe he's untouchable" - Lawyer

Lawyer Emeka Ugwuonye wrote a message to Verydarkman following his arrest by the EFCC in Abuja.

The lawyer educated the social critic on his perceived personality in a long epistle. He explained that nobody was untouchable in the face of the law and urged others to learn from his case.

"It’s a perilous illusion for Mr. Verydarkman (VDM) to believe he is untouchable. His recent arrest should be a wake-up call—a reminder that no one is beyond the reach of accountability. Many have lived under this false sense of security, and it's time for his lawyers and advisers to deliver a reality check."

Barrister Ugwuonye noted that no singular individual could fight the state.

"Yes, our world is riddled with injustices that demand attention. However, maintaining situational awareness is crucial. History teaches us that numerous powerful individuals have tried to confront the state head-on, only to find themselves bested in the end. VDM is but one individual, riding on the waves of public sentiment, desperation, and the gullibility of the masses. While he might champion seemingly noble causes, he must understand that the state has a track record of overcoming its challengers."

The family lawyer cited the time he once tried to fight the Nigerian police and how he was dealt with.

"VDM points to the banks stealing from customers and acknowledges the corruption which is correct. I once dared to challenge the Nigerian police, believing I had the backing of the people—only to be met with false charges of murder and armed robbery. The very masses I thought would rally to my aid turned against me, blinded by their own gullibility and unable to discern friend from foe."

Going deeper in his effort to teach VDM practical lessons of life, he cited the example of late Chief MKO Abiola and Obafemi Awolowo, who both felt they had the backing of the masses but eventually lost it.

"Take the examples of Abiola and Awolowo, who believed the masses would support their rightful claims. What did history show us? Those who fight without understanding the intricacies of the game often end up defeated."

Read full text here:

VDM’s bestie spills more about critic's arrest

Legit.ng previously reported that Verydarkman continued to make headlines as details about his arrest emerged.

Recall that the online sensation was reportedly harassed in GTBank by gunmen who took him away in a black van.

More details of how the incident took place in the presence of his mother made the rounds online amid allegations of deadly plans against the TikToker.

Sola Sanusi, HOD of the Entertainment Desk, contributed to this article. She added commentary from lawyer Emeka Ogwuonye to the article.

Proofreading by Nkem Ikeke, copy editor at Legit.ng.

Source: Legit.ng