Mixed reactions as EFCC frees VeryDarkMan on bail
There have been mixed reactions to the release of popular rights activist and social media influencer, Martins Vincent Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan (VDM) from the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The activist spent five days in AlEFCC’s custody after his arrest last week Friday following what the agency cited as “multiple petitions” filed by unidentified individuals.
However, he regained his freedom on Wednesday evening after several outcrys from his supporters, The Ratels.
His release was confirmed by his lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, who used the opportunity to thank those who spoke in defense of the activist during the challenging period.
“VDM released to us on bail. Special thanks to Deji Adeyanju and Partners especially the head of our firm @Marvin_Omorogbe. Thank you Nigerians for speaking up for him. Thank you Egbon Sowore. Thank you HE Peter Obi, Atiku Abubakar, Davido, opposition lawmakers, etc. I must also thank the chairman of EFCC for indulging and listening to all my concerns since on Friday last week and his team. The struggle continues,” Adeyanju announced on Wednesday evening.
The news of VerDarkMan’s release sparked diverse reactions from netizens who took to different social media platforms to praise or knock the activist.
In the voice of Isiaka Adeiza, “Congratulations to VDM and to everyone that means well for Nigeria and Nigerians. For the people that want the nation to remain worse and continue spoiling especially Nigerian politicians and their blind followers, may your condition be worse than that of Nigeria.”
The watchdog stated, “VeryDarkMan has proven to me that you don’t need only money to get your freedom, as long as you are the people’s person, the people will always be out to save you!!
Good to have you back man!”
Faithagency on Facebook declared victory for Ratel members saying, “We won against our oppressors, power belongs to the people. Congratulations to all of us VDM’s freedom is the freedom of well-meaning Nigerians, there is something to enjoy when you stand for others”.
“VeryDarkMan, just know we love you. Being our voice when we couldn’t speak is why God will continue to bless you. I have not been in a good mood since your detention but thank God you are out. Try and be diplomatic in all you do. We love VDM,” Global Arena declared.
Paulitex Paulitex stated that since the detention of VeryDarkMan, he had not subscribed for any data package.
“Data go sell much tomorrow…. Like me, I never sub since but as our president don come out…. Tomorrow go hot….. I’m just over happy…. VDM is not a person but a movement,” he wrote. (sic)
However, some individuals have berated the blogger for hiding the fact that his mother allegedly took a loan from Guaranty Trust Bank, which they claimed he repaid in secret.
Recall that VeryDarkMan was arrested outside the premises of a branch of a GT bank in Abuja, where he went to protest the unauthorised deduction from his mother’s account with the bank.
In a new twist, a man, Ezike Paul Tobechukwu claimed that the activist’s mother took a loan from the bank, as against the earlier position of VeryDarkMan.
“How many of you realise that VDM’s mom actually borrowed money from GTB? If you use the bank, you should know the code *737#, that was how she borrowed it. Though she didn’t tell VDM, she used her salary to repay.
“When VDM got to the bank with his mom on Friday, she agreed that she took a loan from the bank and VDM cleared the loan. Why didn’t VDM confirm from his mom first before dragging the bank?” He queried.
Also, a media personality said early Wednesday, “When Very Dark Man is out of EFCC, he needs to apologise to GTB. He accused them wrongly and I am disappointed.”
Another netizen, Obakpee Isaac Osaheni wrote, JUSTICE FOR GTB BANK. Now that VDM is released, it should now be Justice for GTB!!!
“It is alleged that VDM’s mother actually collected that loan and that when VDM realised at the bank, he cleared the loan. VDM’s brother and Kokopee misled the public.”
