- Release from EFCC Custody: Social media influencer VeryDarkMan (VDM) has been released from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) custody.
- Reason for Detention: VDM was arrested on May 2, 2025, at a GTBank branch in Abuja while addressing unauthorized deductions from his mother’s account.
- Cooperation between VDM’s Team and EFCC: VDM’s lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, praised the EFCC chairman, Ola Olukoyede, for being cooperative throughout the process.
- No Formal Charges: As of his release, no formal charges had been filed against VDM.
- Previous Legal Challenges: VDM has faced previous legal challenges, including charges of cyberstalking and impersonation, as well as defamation cases involving notable figures.
Social media influencer VeryDarkMan (VDM) has been released from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) custody. His lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, confirmed the development, stating that VDM was freed after his legal team worked with the EFCC.
VDM was arrested on May 2, 2025, at a GTBank branch in Abuja while addressing unauthorized deductions from his mother’s account. The incident sparked protests and online support, with many viewing the detention as an attempt to silence a prominent government critic.
Adeyanju said, “VDM has been released. I undertook to produce him whenever he is required by the Commission or the court. I must say that the EFCC, particularly the chairman, Ola Olukoyede, was cooperative throughout this process, and for that, I am grateful.”
The EFCC had stated that VDM would be released once bail conditions were satisfied. As of his release, no formal charges had been filed, raising questions about the legal grounds for his detention and its implications for his activism.
VDM has faced previous legal challenges, including charges of cyberstalking and impersonation, as well as defamation cases involving notable figures. His release has sparked discussions about freedom of speech and the role of activism in Nigeria.
