The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has defended its arrest of controversial blogger Martins Innocent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan, stating that his detention was lawful and followed multiple petitions alleging financial crimes.
Otse was recently apprehended at a GTBank branch in Abuja after allegedly ignoring repeated invitations from the anti-graft agency.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the EFCC dismissed suggestions that his arrest was connected to his frequent criticisms of the commission, insisting it was based on grave allegations of financial malfeasance.
The agency clarified that Otse had been invited for questioning over “a series of petitions bordering on sundry issues of alleged financial crimes” but failed to honour multiple summonses sent to his known addresses and communication channels
The EFCC said, in the exercise of its mandate of tackling economic and financial crimes, had earlier “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 EFCC has a lawful right to hold Otse in custody like any other suspect being investigated by the Commission,” the statement read. “An appropriate Remand Order was obtained, and he has been offered administrative bail pending the fulfilment of his bail conditions.”
The agency acknowledged public interest in the case but urged Nigerians to avoid “insinuations” about its motives, insisting that it operates within the law.
“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 filled”, the statement read.
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