The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has released detained social media influencer, Martins Innocent Otse, known as VeryDarkMan (VDM).
VDM was released to his legal representative, Deji Adeyanju, on Wednesday evening shortly after he raised alarm over the alleged delay in releasing a formal bail document on his client.
In a chat with The Guardian, Adeyanju labelled the administrative bail granted to his client by the commission as social media bail.
EFCC on Tuesday noted that it has granted Martins Innocent Otse administrative bail and would be released after fulfilling all the bail conditions.
The commission spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, who made this disclosure on Tuesday in Abuja, added that the social media activist was arrested over issues of alleged financial crimes raised against him
Oyewale confirmed The Guardian’s Monday report that the appropriate Remand Order was obtained by the commission against Martin, urging the public to allow the EFCC to do its job without fear or favour.“
The EFCC has a lawful right to hold Otse in custody like any other suspect being investigated by the Commission. The appropriate Remand Order was obtained in this regard.
“He has been offered an administrative bail and would be released after fulfilling all the bail conditions.
“The Commission appreciates the interest of Nigerians in its operations. The passion, enthusiasm and torrential reactions to all of its activities are welcome.“
However, insinuations about its motive in carrying out its assignment should no longer continue. The EFCC should be allowed to do its job without fear or favour. As soon as investigations are concluded, charges will be file.
“The EFCC in the exercise of its mandate of tackling economic and financial crimes, invited Martins Innocent Otse owing to a series of petitions bordering on sundry issues of alleged financial crimes raised against him.
“He refused to show up in spite of several invitations sent to him through his known addresses and medium of communication.
“The petitions pertain to grave allegations of financial malfeasance, which cannot be ignored by the Commission.
“It is needful to admit that the Commission is aware of several unguarded attacks of the suspect against its operations. While such conduct is condemnable, his arrest was not informed by such attacks. The relevant law enforcement agency will be allowed to look into them.”
Culled from The Guardian
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