Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ola Olukoyede, has defended the agency’s decision to arrest popular social media activist Martins Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), stating that no one is above the law—regardless of their public influence.
In an interview with TVC, Olukoyede questioned the nationwide uproar surrounding VDM’s detention, especially when the EFCC routinely arrests and investigates high-profile individuals, including former governors and ministers. “I don’t know why the issue of Vincent Otse has become a national matter,” he said, emphasizing that the agency’s operations are guided strictly by due process and not by public sentiment.
Highlighting the scope of EFCC’s work, Olukoyede revealed that over 5,000 case files have been opened since he assumed office, involving individuals across all social classes. “The law is not a respecter of anybody,” he stated. “If I can bring in former governors and ministers, I don’t know what is special about VDM.”
According to Olukoyede, the EFCC received at least four petitions against VDM and conducted a five-month-long preliminary investigation before summoning him. “Knowing the kind of person he is, with his followers and social media presence, we were cautious. But once we concluded our initial findings and felt he had questions to answer, we brought him in,” he said.
The EFCC boss explained that VDM’s detention was backed by a court order and was necessary due to the complexity of the ongoing investigation. He confirmed that the activist was granted bail shortly after being detained and reiterated that the probe continues.
Addressing VDM’s public statements criticizing the EFCC post-release, Olukoyede maintained a calm stance, acknowledging the activist’s dual tone—offering support to the agency while also attacking it. “He wants to be EFCC’s friend and at the same time, he’s abusing EFCC,” Olukoyede remarked. “But I won’t get carried away by all that rasmatazz.”
Olukoyede concluded by reiterating the EFCC’s commitment to justice. “I know he’s a passionate young Nigerian. I have nothing against him. But if there’s an offense, it must be investigated. And if there’s no case, so be it.”
