Global human rights organization, the Amnesty International, has slammed Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the arrest and continued detention of social media influencer, Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM).

In a statement shared on its verified X (formerly Twitter) account on Wednesday, Amnesty International described VDM’s arrest, detention and impending trial as a blatant attempt by the Nigerian government to suppress dissenting voices.

“Amnesty International strongly condemns plans by EFCC to put Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM) on a sham trial that will be based on bogus charges,” the organisation stated.

The rights organisation further stressed, “The arrest and detention of VDM by EFCC is an outright attempt to silence dissenting voices.

“The case of VeryDarkMan shows just how far the authorities in Nigeria can go to silence their critics.

“This bizarre manipulation of the Nigerian criminal justice system and institutions further expose an unacceptable contempt for the rule of law and human rights.”

VDM, a well-known activist, has gained a large following on social media for his outspoken criticism of government policies and corruption.

His arrest by the EFCC a few days ago sparked widespread outrage.

Meanwhile, the EFCC has yet to publicly provide detailed charges against VDM, further fueling concerns about the legality and transparency of his arrest and detention.

Human rights advocates and civil society organisations have increasingly voiced concerns over what they see as a growing pattern of repression in Nigeria, particularly targeting activists, journalists, and online commentators critical of the government.

Amnesty International’s condemnation adds to mounting international pressure on Nigerian authorities to uphold freedom of expression and the rule of law.

aharaReporters on Tuesday reported that VeryDarkMan underwent a second day of interrogation with the in connection with his recent public criticism of the agency.

SaharaReporters learnt that VDM, known for his outspoken views on national issues, is being questioned over comments he made accusing the EFCC of corruption.

The interrogation session, which lasted several hours, was attended by his legal representative, Barrister Marvin Omorogbe from Deji Adeyanju’s law firm.

According to sources familiar with the matter, the session focused primarily on Otse’s social media posts and videos in which he alleged deep-rooted corruption within the anti-graft commission.

“Barrister Omorogbe arrived at the EFCC office at 10am and remained there until 3pm,” a source told SaharaReporters.

However, efforts to secure bail for his client were unsuccessful by the time Omorogbe left the EFCC premises at 3pm.

One of his lawyers, Adeyanju, confirmed to SaharaReporters around 5.40pm on Tuesday that VDM had yet to be released on bail, noting that they were “working on it”.