Sources at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) have confirmed the arrest of popular social media figure Martins Vincent Otse, known as VeryDarkMan.
The source told Vanguard that the popular critic was arrested following multiple complaints about harassment and intimidation online.
The arrest happened in Abuja on Thursday after reports claimed he used his social media platforms in ways that may violate Nigeria’s Cybercrimes 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.
This marks another chapter in Otse’s growing legal troubles.
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In May 2024, he appeared before the Federal High Court in Abuja on five charges related to cyberstalking, following accusations of online harassment aimed at the Nigeria Police Force and Nollywood stars Iyabo Ojo and Tonto Dikeh.
He denied the charges and was held until his bail hearing.
Later, in November 2024, new charges surfaced accusing him of impersonating a police officer by unlawfully wearing a uniform.
He again pleaded not guilty and secured bail set at ₦2 million.
In September 2024, Otse was sued for ₦1 billion by Bobrisky after a voice note spread online where Otse accused the crossdresser of bribing EFCC officials to avoid money laundering charges.
Bobrisky dismissed the claim, insisting the recording was faked using artificial intelligence.
By April 2025, Otse faced fresh legal trouble when a court ordered his arrest over alleged defamatory statements against gospel singer Mercy Chinwo.
The court also instructed him to delete the offensive content and make a public apology.
Following this latest arrest, his lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, speaking from abroad, said he plans to return to Abuja on Monday to push for Otse’s release.
According to Adeyanju, the EFCC has not yet disclosed the full details of the charges against his client.
Meanwhile, activist Omoyele Sowore has criticized the arrest, claiming it was an attempt to silence Otse after he raised allegations of corruption within the EFCC itself.
Sowore argued that issues like defamation or cybercrime should normally be handled through civil cases, not criminal arrests by the commission.
As of late Sunday, the EFCC was reportedly preparing formal charges that could be filed as early as Monday.
