Category: News

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has refuted a viral report alleging that it officially revealed the reason behind the detention of controversial social media activist Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM).

VDM was taken into custody on Friday after accompanying his mother to a new generation bank branch in Abuja to address concerns over alleged unauthorised withdrawals from her account.

Following his arrest, human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju claimed the action was linked to a petition filed by a magistrate in Abuja.

On Monday, however, BBC Pidgin reported that EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale stated the activist was being held in response to multiple petitions submitted by individuals with complaints against him.

Shortly after the report circulated online, the EFCC issued a rebuttal via its official X account, denying it had provided such information to the media outlet.

The commission described the BBC Pidgin report as “fake news,” maintaining its silence on the exact reasons behind VDM’s detention.

A civil society organisation, Public Interest Lawyers League (PILL), has condemned the arrest of social campaigner and activist, Martins Otse, popularly known as Very Dark Man (VDM), by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

In a statement signed by Abdul Mahmud, President, Public Interest Lawyers League (PILL), and made available to PACESETTER, PILL wondered why Otse should be arrested without a warrant, noting that it was a violation of his (Otse) rights.

The full statement reads:

The Public Interest Lawyers League (PILL) strongly condemns the arrest and continued detention of social campaigner and activist, Martins Otse, popularly known as Very Dark Man (VDM), by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The arrest of Mr. Otse, reportedly without a warrant and in a manner that lacks transparency, represents yet another instance of the growing disregard for constitutional safeguards that protect Nigerian citizens from arbitrary state action. The EFCC, a body created to uphold justice, must not be allowed to degenerate into an instrument of repression against dissenting voices.

The 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) is unambiguous in its protection of the liberty and dignity of the human person. Section 35 of the Constitution provides that no person shall be deprived of their liberty except in accordance with a procedure permitted by law. Arrests effected without a warrant and without informing the arrested individual of the reasons for such arrest violate not only constitutional provisions but also international human rights norms to which Nigeria is bound. It is unacceptable for any agency of state to act outside the law in its pursuit of alleged wrongdoers.

Even more troubling is the continued detention of Mr. Otse beyond the constitutionally permissible period of 24 or 48 hours without being charged to court. Section 35(4) of the Constitution is clear: any person who is arrested or detained must be brought before a court within a reasonable time- defined as one day where there is a court within 40 kilometers, and in any event, not later than two days. The EFCC’s failure to comply with this provision amounts to a grave abuse of power and an affront to the rule of law. The Constitution was not made to be selectively obeyed.

The Public Interest Lawyers League calls on the EFCC to release Mr. Otse immediately or charge him before a competent court of law. Nigeria is a constitutional democracy, not a police state. The use of state power to silence critical voices sets a dangerous precedent and undermines the democratic project. PILL stands in solidarity with all Nigerians who speak truth to power and affirms its commitment to defending the rights of citizens against the overreach of state authority.

Abdul Mahmud Esq,
President,
Public Interest Lawyers League (PILL),
Abuja.
5th May, 2025.

Protesters in Abuja have stormed the headquarters of Guaranty Trust Bank to demand the release of social media influencer Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan.

The demonstrators, who gathered in large numbers on Monday, chanted “#FreeVDM” while holding placards with inscriptions such as “Activism is not a sin”, “VDM is the masses’ liberator”, and “VDM has committed no offence”.

Recall that VeryDarkMan was recently arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over allegations of cyberstalking.

The arrest has sparked outrage online and raised questions about the bank’s alleged complicity in what critics describe as a targeted crackdown.

According to his legal representative, activist-lawyer Deji Adeyanju, VeryDarkMan was ambushed by EFCC operatives inside the GTBank premises.

Denying the claim and releasing CCTV footage, the bank stated that the social media influencer was not picked up on its premises, and urged that further investigations be conducted.

In the video, VDM is seen leaving the banking hall and heading towards the car park moments before his arrest.

However, the footage does not capture the actual arrest, most likely because the security cameras did not cover that specific area outside the bank.

Recall that in May 2024, he was arraigned at the Federal High Court in Abuja on five counts of cyberstalking. The charges stemmed from alleged online harassment of the Nigeria Police Force and Nollywood actresses Iyabo Ojo and Tonto Dikeh.

He pleaded not guilty and was remanded in custody until his bail hearing.

Later in November 2024, he faced fresh charges of impersonation before an Abuja Chief Magistrate’s Court. Prosecutors accused him of unlawfully dressing as a police officer and presenting himself as one. He again pleaded not guilty and was granted bail in the sum of ₦2 million.

EFCC Breaks Silence On VeryDarkMan’s Arrest, Says There’re ‘Multiple Petitions’ Against Activist

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has confirmed that controversial critic, Martins Vincent Otse, popularly called VeryDarkMan (VDM), was arrested by its operatives over multiple petitions against him

The anti-graft agency, through its spokesperson Dele Oyewale, told BBC News on Monday that VeryDarkMan was taken into custody following complaints from several petitioners.

“We arrested him to respond to a series of allegations raised against him by some petitioners,” Oyewale said.

Oyewale noted that the petitions were from different individuals, and the agency owed them a duty of protection, adding that the EFCC was already planning on arraigning the social media activist.

He stated, “We will release him when he meets the bail conditions, and we will take the case to court as soon as possible; we are law-abiding.”

According to VeryDarkMan’s legal representative, activist-lawyer Deji Adeyanju, the critic was trapped inside GTBank’s exit door for over five minutes, allowing EFCC operatives to arrest him.

“VDM was locked inside the GTB exit door for over five minutes to enable EFCC to arrest him and his friend,” Adeyanju stated in a social media post. “We will take legal action against GTB for this treatment.” Punch/Leadership

The Enugu State government has presented 30 school buses to the various Science, Technical, and Vocational Schools in the state.

This was even as the state governor, Dr Peter Mbah, vowed to overhaul the education system in the state, making it the best in the country.

Presenting the buses to the principals of the schools at an event in Enugu, weekend, Governor Peter Mbah stated that the gesture reflected his administration’s commitment to prioritizing education and ensuring the welfare of both staff and students throughout the state.

Assuring quality learning in all the schools, Mbah,
who was represented by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Education Innovation, as well as the Director of Exponential Learning, Enugu Smart Green Schools, Dr. Chinyere Onyishi stated that the buses were to aid them in the discharge of their duties, ensuring that distance would no longer be a barrier to their optimal performance.

He maintained that the education sector has witnessed an unprecedented development under his administration, evidenced by its devotion of 33% of its budgetary allocations to the sector in two successive fiscal years, with a view to equipping students in the state compete favourably with their peers in developed countries.

“What is happening in Enugu State is transformational. Today, the educational level has shifted from content memorization to creativity, critical thinking, and problem solving. You can see that everything is revolutionizing, and Enugu State is taking the lead. Our target is to make sure that our children compete effectively anywhere in the world.

“The buses we are handing over to each of the schools today is to make sure that everything is working well and that distance wouldn’t be a barrier while carrying out your official duties. With these, you can move around, discharging your duties without any problem arising from transportation,” he said.

Earlier speaking, the Chairman, Science, Technical and Educational Management Board, Dr. Amaka Ngene lauded the governor’s efforts in the area of education which she said was marked by disruptive innovation, assuring that the board would do its best to ensure that the vision of governor Mbah was realized, especially in the area of vocational education.

According to her, the board had already given orientation to the principals and drivers on how the buses should be used and the purpose they were meant to serve, adding that they had signed an undertaking to that effect.

“We want to use this opportunity to thank His Excellency for the great work he is doing. He is a man with passion for education, and this is a fraction of the 33% that was provided for education in his budget. We are not going to let him and the state down. We shall do everything within our powers to ensure that his dreams regarding education are actualized,” Ngene said.

In their separate appreciation messages, the Chief Supervising Principal, Nsukka Education Zone, Mr. Alumona Sylvester Chukwuemeka, and the Principal of Special Science School, Oghe Ezeagu local government area appreciated the governor for his kind gestures towards the schools, saying that the school buses would help them tremendously in the discharge of their duties.

“We don’t know how to thank the governor for this show of love. His good works are not being felt only in the area of education but in every sector of the state. We give him kudos for this work as this will not only help the staff but will also assist them in the movement of students to perform other educational activities outside the school premises. We are assuring the state that these buses will be used for the purpose they were meant to serve. We will be doing the routine checks and other maintainance to enable the buses serve us better,” they said.

…CP Giwa Orders Manhunt for Fleeing Suspects

Operatives of the Enugu State Police Command, attached to the CP’s Monitoring Unit and the Anti-Kidnapping Tactical Squad, successfully rescued a male kidnapping victim and neutralised one of the kidnappers in the early hours of May 3, 2025. The operation also led to the recovery of a locally made double-barrelled pistol loaded with two live cartridges from the neutralised suspect and a green-coloured Nissan Almeria car used by the kidnappers.

The suspects, operating in the Nissan vehicle, had abducted the victim in his Mercedes Jeep after firing sporadically within the Government Residential Area (GRA) of Enugu at approximately 9:00 p.m. on May 2, 2025. They subsequently transported him to an unknown location.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, psc, on receipt of information on the incident, immediately mobilised operational and intelligence assets, directing personnel to ensure the victim’s safe rescue and the apprehension of the perpetrators.

Through coordinated efforts, the police operatives trailed the gang to their hideout in a valley within the Ngwo area. A gunfight ensued, leading to the neutralisation of one of the suspects and the safe rescue of the victim. However, the suspects had forcefully transferred the sum of two million, two hundred and fifty thousand naira (₦2,250,000.00) from the victim’s account after initially demanding a ransom of twenty million naira (₦20,000,000.00).

CP Giwa, while commending the operatives for the swift and successful operation, has mandated them to intensify efforts to apprehend the remaining fleeing suspects and recover the victim’s vehicle. He reaffirms the Command’s unwavering commitment to rid the State of unrepentant criminals, soliciting citizens’ continued support.

SP Daniel Ndukwe, anipr, mnisma
Police Public Relations Officer
Enugu State Command
GRA, Enugu
May 4, 2025

…Mbah promises continuous improvement

Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, on Saturday, participated in the 1st Enugu City International Marathon, completing the 10km road race in 45 minutes, while East African athletes cleared the first, second, and third positions in the elite 42km full marathon.

The event, which was supervised by the World Athletics represented by Nadeem Khan, who is also the President of International Ultra Runners; President of the Athletics Federation of Nigeria led by its President, Chief Tony Okowa and the 1st Vice President, Nigerian Olympic Committee, Chief Solomon Ogba, drew participants from Kenya, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Somalia, and Nigerians, who trooped out in their numbers to compete for the prizes.

In the female elite category, Shaoline Chepriroi of Kenya finished in 2:44:37 (Two hours, forty-four minutes, thirty-seven seconds) to clinch the premium prize of $15,000, Tilahu Birul of Ethiopia finished in 2:45:10 (Two hours, forty-five minutes, 10 seconds) to place second and walk away with $10,000 prize money, while Rita Busiengy of finished in 2:47:17 (Two hours, 48 minutes, seventeen seconds) to finish third, earning her $5,000.

Nigeria’s Blessing Shambo completed the 42 kilometres in 2:48:04 (Two hours, forty-eight minutes, four seconds) to finish fourth and place first among Nigerian female elite runners and went home with N1 million, while Charity Agofure and Elizabeth Pam finished in 2:55:03 (Two hours, fifty-five minutes, three seconds) and 3:01:45 (Three hours, one minute, forty-five seconds) to clinch the second and third prices, respectively, in the Nigerian elite runners category. Agofure and Pam got N750,000 and N500,000, accordingly, for their efforts.

In the men’s category, Ken Kopos of Kenya, ran the 42km in 2:22:32 (Two hours, twenty-two minutes, thirty-two seconds) to claim the star prize of $15,000, while his compatriots, Steve Baswey and Bernard Sang placed second and third, respectively, to earn themselves $10,000 and $5,000, accordingly.

Davou Gyang finished in 2:29:03 (Two hours, twenty-nine minutes, three seconds) to emerge Nigeria’s best in the elite category, beating compatriot Boyi Nyango with just three seconds, while Iliya Pam placed third. They got cash prizes of N1 million, N750,000, and N500,000, respectively.

Lydia Akusho, Esther Afigbo, and Mwantiti Davou came first, second, and third, respectively in the women’s category of the 10km Road Race, while Francis James, Iliya Raymond, and Boyi Gang placed first, second, and third, respectively, in the male category.

While congratulating the winners and participants, Mbah assured of continued improvement of the sporting event, noting that Enugu City International Marathon was in line with his administration’s vision to position Enugu State as the premier destination for investment, business, tourism, and for living.

“What we have just witnessed is a spectacular event. It is a testament to the power of sports. Remember that I told you all that participated in our last year’s Enugu City Half Marathon that we are going to make the Enugu City International Marathon, an international event. Have we not done that?

“The International Marathon attracted elite runners across Africa. We have long distance runners from Kenya, Ethiopia, Somalia and Eritrea. Next year, we are going to attract elite runners from across the world, not just Africa. Our objective is to make the Enugu City International Marathon a major highlight in the calendar of the World Athletic. The world will be watching.

“Meanwhile, what you are witnessing is not a happenstance. It is connecting the dots. When we said that we were going to attract three million visitors every year and make Enugu state the premier destination for tourism, these are all part of the dots. Sports, for us, is beyond recreation. It is a serious business.

“We are going to make sure that through our sporting event, we are going to nurture talents, dreams will be born, goals will be achieved, and talents will blossom. We will be able to attract a lot of businesses. That means our business will thrive. People will come to Enugu and they will spend their money,” Mbah stated

He commended and thanked the Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Barr. Lloyd Ekweremadu and his team as well as the consultants led by Yetunde Olopade, who is the Managing Director of Nilayo Sports Management Limited, as well as the security agencies, among others for putting up a great show.

Meanwhile, the flag-off was also witnessed by the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Benjamin Kalu and former governor of Imo State, Hon. Emeka Ihedioha, while the Speaker, Enugu State House of Assembly, Hon. Uchenna Ugwu, federal and state lawmakers, as well as commissioners and other officials of the state government came out in their numbers to participate.

Governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, on Friday, joined other well-meaning Nigerians in paying last respects to the late elder statesman and former Minister of State for Foreign Affairs, Chief Dubem Onyia, describing him as a legendary figure, whose life impacted many.

Governor Mbah spoke at a well-attended funeral mass in honour of Chief Onyia at the St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Ngwo, superintended by the Catholic Bishop of Enugu, Most Reverend Callistus Onaga, on Friday.

“We are gathered here today to pay our last respects to a legendary figure, a moral giant, and a man whose shoulders was a ladder of success for many.

“Sir Dubem Onyia, as I noted, was quite exemplary; a man whose light shone on all those that encountered him. There is no doubt that the void that his exit has created will be very difficult to fill. But I will urge us to find solace in the impactful life that he had lived. His life was inspiring, and he inspired a lot of us. So, we would hold the family very tight in our prayers. I will also implore everyone to remember that it is God who gives, and it is also him that takes,” he said.

He, however, urged his family, relations, and friends to find solace in the hope of eternal life both for Chief Onyia and all the saints departed.

“I do not think I will say more than anything that was said in the scripture – that we are not hopeless. So, may his soul continue to rest in peace,” he concluded.

Earlier in his homily, Very Rev. Fr. Franklin Eze said the funeral mass as a Christian rite of passage was a call on the living to understand the vanity of life and to live impactfully so that both humanity and heaven will remember them for their good and great deeds.

He described the late Chief Onyia as a man, who etched his name in the sands of time politically, religiously, and socially, stressing that the difference between heroes like him and villains were the selflessness and sacrifices of the former and the selfishness of the latter.

The funeral mass also had in attendance many dignitaries, including the presidential candidate of the Labour Party in the 2023 general election, Mr. Peter Obi; former governor of old Anambra State, Senator Jim Nwobodo, and his wife, Patricia; former governor of Abia State, Senator Orji Uzo Kalu; former Governor of Ebonyi State, Senator Sam Egwu; Senate Minority Whip, who represents Enugu West Senatorial District, Senator Osita Ngwu; and Chairman of the National Burial Committee for the Chief Dubem Onyia, Senator Ben Obi, among a host of others.