The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has confirmed the arrest of Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), in connection with multiple financial crime allegations — but not without controversy surrounding how the news was first communicated to the public.
What BBC News Pidgin Reported.
On Monday, BBC News Pidgin published a report quoting EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale, confirming the arrest of Otse. According to the report, the Commission acted on several petitions and stated that:
- VDM was in EFCC custody over multiple allegations
- He had been offered administrative bail
- He would be arraigned in court after fulfilling bail conditions
These key details were widely circulated and picked up by other media platforms.
EFCC Labels BBC Report as “Fake News”
Later the same day, the EFCC took to its official social media channels to label the BBC article and that of Rufai Oseni of Arise news as “fake news.” No detailed counter-statement was issued — only screenshots of the reports were shared, with “FAKE NEWS” written across them as shown below.
This action sparked immediate backlash and confusion online. Many questioned why the EFCC would discredit a news story that, based on subsequent developments, appeared to reflect the actual state of events.
You May Also Want to Read: VeryDarkMan’s Release Imminent Amid Legal Struggles and Nationwide Protests.
EFCC’s Own Statement Confirms Key Details.
In less than 24 hours after discrediting the BBC report, the EFCC released an official statement confirming Otse’s arrest — essentially aligning with the same facts initially reported. According to the EFCC:
- Otse had been invited to respond to serious financial crime petitions but failed to honor the invitations
- His arrest was lawful, with the appropriate remand order obtained
- He had been granted administrative bail and would be released upon fulfilling conditions
- Investigations were ongoing, and formal charges would follow upon conclusion
Despite this, the Commission maintained that its rebuttal of the media report was justified, without providing clarification on what aspects it deemed inaccurate.
More Read
Public Reaction: A Matter of Trust.
The contradictory sequence of events — discrediting a news report only to later confirm its core claims — has further eroded public trust in official communication. Critics argue that such inconsistencies undermine transparency and damage the credibility of institutions meant to operate above reproach.
Observers also note that the EFCC’s unwillingness to explain the basis of its “fake news” label has left a vacuum that fuels speculation and doubt, especially at a time when public confidence in law enforcement agencies is already fragile.
While the EFCC maintains its legal right to investigate and prosecute financial crimes, its handling of the public messaging around Otse’s arrest has drawn scrutiny. The agency’s actions — particularly its conflicting treatment of media reporting — highlight the importance of consistent and transparent communication in sustaining public confidence.
