Why we arrested VDM – EFCC
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Tuesday, broke its silence on the continued detention of the popular Social Media activist, Martins Innocent Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan (VDM).
The anti-graft agency’s response was coming less than 48 hours after some Nigerians stormed the commission’s headquarters in Abuja and the headquarters of the Guaranty Trust Bank to demand his release.
VDM was last week arrested by operatives of the agency and has since then been in their custody – the development both former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Peter Obi faulted.
Reacting to the VDM’s detention, the spokesman of the anti-graft agency, Dele Oyewale, said the activist was arrested after he failed to honour several invitations to him after different petitions against him on financial malfeasance.
Oyewale said the commission did not arrest the suspect despite his several “unguarded attacks” of the suspect against the commission’s operations, arguing that such acts are condemnable.
“The EFCC, in the exercise of its mandate of tackling economic and financial crimes, invited Martins Innocent Otse owing to a series of petitions bordering on sundry issues of alleged financial crimes raised against him.
“He refused to show up in spite of several invitations sent to him through his known addresses and medium of communication. The petitions pertain to grave allegations of financial malfeasance which cannot be ignored by the Commission,” Oyewale explained.
He said although VDM had been granted administrative bail and he is already trying to perfect his bail conditions, adding that charges will be filed against after concluding investigations.
“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 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. 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 EFCC spokesman said.
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