The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has explained why it arrested Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, a social media critic, saying it was over allegations of cyberstalking.

The arrest was confirmed by a source within the EFCC, who spoke on condition of anonymity, on Sunday, May 4, 2025.

According to the source, VeryDarkMan was taken into custody following several complaints that he used his social media platforms to harass, insult, and intimidate individuals, in contravention of the Cybercrimes Act of 2015.

The source declined to disclose the identities of the complainants or provide further details regarding the nature of the complaints.

The EFCC’s action is seen as a crackdown on online activities that may be deemed threatening or intimidating to others.

The Commission is reportedly preparing to file formal charges against VeryDarkMan, potentially as early as Monday.

VeryDarkMan’s legal counsel, Deji Adeyanju, has confirmed that he is working on securing his client’s release. Adeyanju stated that he is currently out of the country but plans to return to Abuja on Monday afternoon to work on VeryDarkMan’s bail.

He also noted that the EFCC has yet to formally disclose the specific offences alleged against his client.

“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 said.

The arrest of VeryDarkMan has sparked concerns about the limits of free speech online and the potential for abuse of power by authorities. As the case unfolds, it is likely to raise important questions about the balance between online freedom and the need to protect individuals from harassment and intimidation.

The EFCC’s decision to take action against VeryDarkMan is a significant development in the ongoing debate about online regulation and the role of law enforcement in policing online activities. The outcome of the case will be closely watched by online activists, lawyers, and human rights groups, who are eager to see how the authorities will navigate the complex issues surrounding online freedom and cybercrime.