VeryDarkMan’s Lawyer Deji Adeyanju Gives Fresh Update after Visiting VDM in EFCC Custody

• Lawyer Deji Adeyanju has visited social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, in EFCC custody
• Adeyanju is the solicitor for VeryDarkMan, who was picked up by the EFCC after alleged multiple petitions
• Adeyanju claimed that he was not informed of any petition against VeryDarkMan despite repeated demands

Legit.ng journalist Adekunle Dada has over 8 years of experience covering metro, government policy, and international issues

FCT, Abuja - Lawyer and human rights activist, Deji Adeyanju, has visited social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Adeyanju said the EFCC informed him that there was no petition against VDM.

He said he still could not understand why EFCC operatives arrested VeryDarkMan on Friday, May 2, 2025.

He made this known in a post shared via his X handle, @adeyanjudeji, on Monday evening, May 5, 2025.

“Got into the country this evening and went straight to VDM at EFCC. Just left him. We still cannot understand why he was arrested. EFCC said there’s no petition against him after our repeated demands.”

Nigerians react as VeryDarkMan's lawyer visits him

@KayfasCFD commented:

"Then why was he arrested? Maybe them plan to kill am lowkey but as everyone stood up their plans were abolished."

@ambitiousGunner said:

"@officialEFCC, you owe Nigerians a clear explanation for VDM’s arrest. I may not care much about him, but I care about fairness and justice because if it’s him today, it could be anyone tomorrow."

@tboss_guy reacted:

"Na fear make EFCC arrest am. No invitation o. Double standard in this country. This is nothing but injustice to VDM and the entire youth of this country."

@flourish007 stated:

"What exactly is the reason for holding and abusing his human rights or is it true that @gtbank just wanted to "punish" VDM? Lawless nation."

@jydkent added:

"A quick one do they have the right to keep him there still since there’s no petition against him?"

@abacus2020 had a possible explanation:

"From the look of things, VDM may have a very sophisticated leak or details of a high-profile person that may be too loud when revealed. Leak of Bobrisky has sent bob to exile. I see sense something is to be covered up."

@Tinubusvictim said:

"He wasn't arrested. He was kidnapped. They want to shut him up that's all."

Deji Adeyanju's post on X is included below:

Lawyer slams EFCC over delay, cites constitutional breach

A human rights advocate and legal practitioner, Adaobi Iyiegbu has condemned the arrest and continued detention of social media activist, VeryDarkMan (VDM), without formal charges.

Speaking with Legit.ng in reaction to reports that VDM remains in EFCC custody days after his arrest, the lawyer described the development as a “serious” breach of Nigeria’s constitutional provisions.

She referenced the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), emphasising the responsibility of law enforcement agencies to uphold legal standards.

As she put it:

“Under the 1999 Constitution, an accused person has rights that must be protected at all costs. Any breach of these rights amounts to a violation, and a law enforcement agency like the EFCC should not only know this but be held to the highest standards in upholding the law.”

Citing Section 35, she explained that the Constitution provides specific limits on how long a suspect can be held without arraignment.

Iyiegbu said:

“The right to personal liberty is a fundamental right enshrined under Section 35 of the Constitution. Specifically, Section 35(1)–(4) provides that any person arrested must be informed promptly of the reason for the arrest and brought before a court of law within a ‘reasonable time.’”

“In this context, ‘reasonable time’ means 24 hours where a court is within a 40km radius, or 48 hours otherwise.”

Reason EFCC operatives arrested VeryDarkMan

Meanwhile, the reason VeryDarkMan was arrested in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, has been confirmed.

The social media influencer and proclaimed human rights activist was arrested by EFCC operatives recently.

An insider said the anti-graft agency arrested VDM following several allegations from Nigerians of cyberstalking.

EFCC reportedly confirms VeryDarkMan's release date

Earlier, Legit.ng also reported that the date the EFCC would release VeryDarkMan has been confirmed.

A source within the anti-graft agency said he would be released from custody on Tuesday, May 6.

According to the same inside source, the EFCC planned to formally charge VDM later during the week.

Editorial assistant Ololade Olatimehin provided exclusive commentary from a lawyer for this report.

Source: Legit.ng