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| Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM) |
By Primelineinfo
Controversial Influencer VeryDarkMan Arrested Again by EFCC Over Cyberstalking Allegations
Nigerian social media personality and outspoken commentator Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has been arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). His latest run-in with law enforcement is tied to fresh allegations of cyberstalking — a charge that continues to shadow his rising yet controversial presence online.
According to Primelineinfo, an anonymous EFCC source confirmed the arrest, stating that the influencer was taken into custody following multiple complaints from individuals who alleged that VDM had used his digital platforms to harass, insult, and intimidate them. These actions, if substantiated, could be in breach of Nigeria's Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act of 2015.
“We picked him up based on several complaints that he used his social media platforms to harass, insult, and intimidate individuals — actions that may contravene the Cybercrimes Act of 2015,” the source said.
Although specific details of the complaints and the identities of the complainants have not been made public, the arrest has reignited the national debate around freedom of speech, the limits of online expression, and abuse of social media.
A Pattern of Legal Troubles for VeryDarkMan
This is not the first time VeryDarkMan has faced legal issues. In fact, his confrontational style and controversial statements have led to multiple court cases over the last year. Known for his unapologetic commentary on public figures, politics, and social matters, VDM has gradually become a polarizing figure in Nigeria's social media landscape.
May 2024-Charged with Cyberstalking
In May 2024, he was arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja on five counts of cyberstalking. The charges were linked to alleged online attacks on the Nigeria Police Force and Nollywood actresses Iyabo Ojo and Tonto Dikeh. VDM pleaded not guilty and was remanded in custody until his bail hearing.
November 2024 – Accused of Impersonating a Police Officer
Later in November 2024, he faced new charges of impersonation. Prosecutors alleged that he unlawfully dressed as a police officer and misrepresented himself as one on social media. Again, he denied the accusations and was granted bail set at ₦2 million.
In yet another controversy, VDM was slammed with a ₦1 billion defamation lawsuit filed by popular crossdresser Idris Okuneye, widely known as Bobrisky. The lawsuit came after VDM circulated a voice recording claiming that Bobrisky bribed EFCC officials to quash money laundering charges. Bobrisky denied the allegations, stating that the audio was fabricated using AI technology.
In April 2025, a court issued an arrest warrant for VeryDarkMan over allegedly defamatory statements made against gospel artist Mercy Chinwo. The court ordered him to delete the said content and issue a public apology.
Current Arrest Linked to Bank Complaint and Public Exposure
Legal counsel to VDM, Deji Adeyanju, confirmed the arrest in a conversation with Vanguard on Sunday. Speaking from abroad, Adeyanju mentioned that he would return to Abuja the following day to work on securing his client's release. He noted that the arrest came shortly after VDM made a public complaint at a GTBank branch in Abuja regarding unauthorized deductions from his mother’s account.
“I’m currently not in Nigeria, but I’ll be back in Abuja tomorrow (Monday) afternoon. By 4 p.m., we’ll be at the EFCC to secure his bail,” Adeyanju stated.
He also criticized the EFCC for failing to formally disclose the exact charges or offenses being leveled against his client at the time of arrest.
Human Rights Activists Respond
The arrest has sparked outrage among human rights activists and civil society groups, some of whom believe that the EFCC may be overstepping its mandate. Political activist and former presidential candidate Omoyele Sowore condemned the arrest, describing it as a deliberate effort to intimidate and silence dissenting voices.
“It has become evident that the EFCC unlawfully arrested and detained Martins Vincent Otse, also known as VDM, in a bid to silence him after he accused the agency and its leadership of corruption and misconduct,” Sowore said.
He further asserted that the EFCC lacks the legal authority to prosecute individuals for criminal defamation, libel, or other cybercrime offenses that fall outside their core mandate, which focuses on financial and economic crimes.
“The Commission does not possess the legal mandate to prosecute individuals for criminal defamation, libel, or cybercrime; these are issues typically handled through civil litigation. Therefore, the EFCC must release VDM without delay,” he added.
Hints From EFCC
Sources within the EFCC have hinted that formal charges may be filed as early as Monday, 5th May 2025. The influencer, who commands a significant following across Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube, remains in custody pending further legal proceedings.
Attempts to reach EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale for an official statement were unsuccessful as of the time of this report, as calls to his mobile lines went unanswered.
VeryDarkMan’s arrest once again raises critical questions about online speech, defamation laws, and the overlap between civil liberties and criminal justice enforcement in Nigeria. As public interest in the case grows, many Nigerians await the EFCC’s next move and whether this latest incident will mark a turning point in how influencer commentary is policed on social media.
Stay tuned to PrimeLineInfo for the latest developments on this.
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