Renowned human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, has reached out to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) concerning the arrest and prolonged detention of well-known social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM).

VDM’s legal representative, Deji Adeyanju, confirmed this development in a social media post shared on Wednesday morning. 

“I have now confirmed, contrary to my previous post the other day, that our revered leader and mentor, Femi Falana SAN, has made several calls to EFCC challenging VDM’s unlawful arrest and detention,” Adeyanju said.

The disclosure represents a notable shift in the widely followed case, which has attracted public scrutiny and backlash since VDM was arrested last Friday in Abuja.

Uncertainty still surrounds the reasons behind his arrest, raising concerns over due process and the right to free expression.

Earlier, Adeyanju had expressed disappointment over what he saw as Femi Falana’s silence regarding the situation. “Our revered leader and mentor, Femi Falana SAN yet to condemn the arrest of VDM. Interesting times indeed!” he wrote in a previous post.

The confirmation of Falana’s involvement is likely to increase pressure on the EFCC to clarify its stance and procedures in VDM’s detention. VDM, known for his outspoken commentary on social and political issues, has built a large following online.

VDM’s detention has ignited widespread debate, with numerous voices demanding transparency and the upholding of civil rights.

So far, neither the EFCC nor Femi Falana has issued an official statement, aside from Adeyanju’s confirmation. As public calls for VDM’s release intensify, Falana’s involvement may play a crucial role in addressing both the legal and societal concerns surrounding the case.