The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has explained why it arrested and detained Martins Innocent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan.
Otse was picked up last Friday at a bank in Area 3, Abuja. His arrest sparked public protests in the city on Monday.
The commission has now released a statement via its official X (formerly Twitter) account, detailing the reasons behind its actions.
According to the statement, Otse was invited “owing to a series of petitions bordering on sundry issues of alleged financial crimes raised against him.”
The commission added that he “refused to show up in spite of several invitations sent to him through his known addresses and medium of communication.”
The EFCC said the petitions were serious and involved “grave allegations of financial malfeasance which cannot be ignored by the Commission.”
The anti-graft agency also addressed Otse’s frequent criticism of its operations.
“It is needful to admit that the Commission is aware of several unguarded attacks of the suspect against its operations. While such conduct is condemnable, his arrest was not informed by such attacks. The relevant law enforcement agency will be allowed to look into them.”
The statement also clarified that Otse’s detention followed due process.
“The EFCC has a lawful right to hold Otse in custody like any other suspect being investigated by the Commission. The appropriate Remand Order was obtained in this regard.”
It added that Otse has been granted bail. “He has been offered an administrative bail and would be released after fulfilling all the bail conditions.”
“The Commission appreciates the interest of Nigerians in its operations. The passion, enthusiasm and torrential reactions to all of its activities are welcome. However, insinuations about its motive in carrying out its assignment should no longer continue. The EFCC should be allowed to do its job without fear or favour. As soon as investigations are concluded, charges will be filed,” the statement added.