By Ameh Gabriel
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has officially confirmed that it is investigating popular social media personality Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), over allegations of financial misconduct.
In a statement released by the Commission, the EFCC revealed that multiple petitions had been filed against Otse, accusing him of financial irregularities. Despite several official invitations for questioning, the Commission said VDM failed to respond, leading to his arrest under a legal remand order.
The EFCC emphasized that the probe is unrelated to Otse’s frequent public criticisms of the agency. “The allegations against Mr. Otse are serious, and we are acting strictly on the petitions we received and his failure to honor our invitations,” the statement read.
The Commission noted that Otse has been offered administrative bail, meaning his release is possible once the required conditions are met. It urged Nigerians to refrain from making premature judgments about his guilt or innocence, stressing its commitment to upholding the rule of law and conducting investigations without bias or interference.
The case has sparked widespread public reactions and protests across the country, with supporters demanding Otse’s release. The EFCC, however, appealed for calm and patience, assuring the public that appropriate legal action will follow once the investigation is complete.
VDM, a fitness trainer-turned-social commentator, has gained a large following online for his outspoken takes on social issues and high-profile figures. His rise to prominence has not been without controversy.
In 2024, Otse launched the Martins Vincent Otse Initiative, an NGO focused on improving education in underserved communities. The initiative attracted millions of naira in donations, including a ₦100 million pledge from a top Nigerian music producer. But the influx of funds soon raised questions about transparency, especially after Otse claimed ₦180 million was stolen from the NGO’s account during a reported cyberattack. While Otse said the suspect had been caught, both the FCT and Plateau State police commands publicly denied involvement or knowledge of the case, raising further doubts.
In March 2025, Otse became embroiled in a ₦1.1 billion defamation lawsuit filed by gospel singer Mercy Chinwo, who accused him of making false and damaging statements about her financial dealings and former record label. The matter is still pending in court.
Additionally, Otse faced criminal charges after a viral video showed him wearing a police uniform, leading to an impersonation charge and a ₦2 million bail with strict conditions.
In another controversy, Otse accused EFCC officials in September 2024 of soliciting a ₦15 million bribe to drop money laundering charges against influencer Bobrisky a claim Bobrisky denied as fabricated. That matter remains under EFCC review.
The EFCC concluded its statement by reaffirming its dedication to due process and fair investigation, promising updates to the public as developments unfold.
