Civil rights group, the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), has criticised the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for what it described as arbitrary arrest and illegal detention of social media influencer and social justice campaigner, Mr Martins Innocent Otse, popularly known as Very Dark Black Man (VDM).
HURIWA argued that the EFCC has been disingenuous in providing explanations for the detention, describing these justifications as baseless, puerile, and laughable. The group stated that the reasons cited by the EFCC for detaining VDM do not align with the agency’s mandate or areas of jurisdiction.
The group likened the EFCC’s actions to “a man whose house is on fire but is busy chasing rats,” pointing out that while Nigeria grapples with pervasive political corruption, the EFCC targets social media influencers.
HURIWA recalled that the EFCC claimed the activist was arrested as part of its mandate to address economic and financial crimes, alleging that Otse was invited due to several petitions related to alleged financial crimes. The EFCC further stated that VDM had refused to respond to multiple invitations sent to him through his known addresses and communication channels.
The rights group expressed disappointment and shock at the EFCC’s actions, describing them as an abuse of power, which is expressly prohibited under Section 15(5) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The section stipulates: “The State shall abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of power.”
HURIWA also referenced VDM’s counsel, Deji Adeyanju, who, on Monday, stated that the EFCC had not received any official petition against the activist, raising questions about the legality of his detention. Adeyanju expressed serious concerns over the agency’s failure to provide a legal basis for the arrest.
The National Coordinator of HURIWA, Emmanuel Onwubiko, accused the EFCC of resorting to self-help measures and conducting a witch-hunt. He claimed that the activist was targeted because he had repeatedly criticised the EFCC on social media, accusing the agency of lacking commitment to eradicating corruption. Onwubiko also noted that VDM had accused the EFCC of treating certain individuals, allegedly involved in currency abuse, as “sacred cows” due to their connections to influential figures.
The EFCC has maintained that it has the lawful authority to detain Otse as part of its investigation and stated that a valid remand order had been obtained.
According to the commission, VDM had been offered administrative bail and would be released upon fulfilling the conditions. HURIWA, however, questioned the EFCC’s claim of having received valid petitions against the activist, particularly in light of Adeyanju’s assertion that no such petitions exist.
