BREAKING: Social Media Activist, VeryDarkMan, Grilled By EFCC For Hours Over Source Of Income, Mercy Chinwo Suit, Others

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday interrogated social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), over multiple petitions filed against him.

The questioning reportedly covered his source of income, how he generates content, and the basis for the claims he makes on his platforms.

SaharaReporters also learned that VDM was questioned about his allegations against gospel singer Mercy Chinwo.

Chinwo had earlier sued the activist for defamation and criminal defamation, accusing him of falsely claiming she diverted $345,000 from her former manager, Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu.

As part of her legal action, Chinwo is demanding N1 billion in general damages, N100 million in punitive and aggravated damages, N25 million for legal costs, and a 10 percent annual interest on the judgment sum until full payment is made.

She is also seeking a public apology from VDM to be published in national newspapers for 14 consecutive days.

A source familiar with the interrogation told SaharaReporters, “VDM was asked a series of questions, including how he makes his money, the source of his income, how he creates his content, and how he obtains the information he shares on his show. He was also questioned about Mercy Chinwo.”

As earlier reported by SaharaReporters, EFCC officials grilled VeryDarkMan for several hours at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja in relation to the petitions.

According to sources, the questioning took place at the EFCC headquarters in Abuja and was conducted in the presence of his legal representatives, Deji Adeyanju and Marvin Omorogbe.

Sources disclosed that the interrogation began around 2:30 p.m.

Earlier, the EFCC had confirmed VeryDarkMan’s arrest following the receipt of several petitions.

The EFCC, speaking through its spokesperson Dele Oyewale, told BBC News Pidgin on Monday that the activist 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.

When asked if the case was connected to petition from Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB), Oyewale noted that the petitions were from different individuals and the agency owed them a duty of protection.

Oyewale added that the commission was planning to arraign 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."

In a statement posted online on Friday, Adeyanju revealed that VeryDarkMan was arrested following his visit to GTBank branch in Abuja.

Adeyanju said his client was trapped inside the bank's exit door for over five minutes — a move he described as a deliberate ploy to enable EFCC officers to effect the arrest.

“VDM was locked inside the GTB exit door for over 5 mins to enable EFCC arrest him and his friend,” Adeyanju said.

“We will be taking legal actions against GTB for the inhumane treatment meted out to our client. We will issue a public statement soon.”

Meanwhile, the Take It Back Movement had called for his immediate and unconditional release.

The group noted that VeryDarkMan was apprehended on Thursday, May 2, 2025, shortly after visiting the GTBank branch in Area 3, Garki, Abuja.

He had reportedly gone to the bank with his mother and an associate to address unauthorised deductions from his mother’s account when he was arrested.

CCTV footage of the arrest, now widely circulated online, has sparked outrage and concern, with many alleging it was a targeted operation aimed at silencing the vocal critic.

TIB Movement noted that VeryDarkMan’s mother, who was present during the arrest, had since gone missing, and her current whereabouts were unknown.

The group explained that this was not the first time VeryDarkMan had been targeted for his outspoken views on injustice, corruption, and societal ills.

On Monday, some youths staged a protest at the GTBank branch in Abuja, waving the Nigerian flag and holding placards bearing different descriptions.