Nigerian activist and social media personality Martin Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has spoken out for the first time since his release from the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). He was detained for six days over allegations related to financial crimes, including money laundering.

In a video posted on his Instagram page on Friday, VDM confirmed that although he had been released, his mobile phone remains in the EFCC’s possession. He alleged that the agency logged him out of his iCloud account, effectively cutting off his access to personal data and potential evidence stored on the device.

VDM denied involvement in any money laundering activities, stating that the accusation is baseless and damaging. He warned the EFCC against releasing his mugshot with a label suggesting he was involved in money laundering, threatening to take legal action if that occurs. 

He maintained that the EFCC must prove the allegation if they intend to associate him with such a serious crime. Otherwise, he said, it would call into question the credibility of similar charges the Commission has made against other individuals in the past.

He added that while he would not contest a lesser charge such as tax evasion, the accusation of money laundering was particularly troubling because, according to him, he lacks the financial means to be involved in such an offense. He also expressed a willingness to assist the EFCC in exposing actual scammers, but emphasized that the foundation of any such cooperation must be truth and fairness.

In addition to his issues with the EFCC, VDM addressed the circumstances surrounding his recent visit to Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank). He explained that he had accompanied his mother to the bank to complain about repeated deductions from her account. Shortly afterward, he was arrested. Although GTBank denied involvement in his arrest by releasing a video showing him leaving their premises, VDM suggested that the bank's actions were questionable and promised to reveal more details soon.

He said that videos stored on his phone could support his claims against the bank, and warned that if the EFCC deleted those videos, they would bear further responsibility for interfering with potential evidence.

VDM’s remarks have generated public debate and renewed scrutiny of the practices of both law enforcement and financial institutions. While he expressed an openness to cooperating with authorities to tackle real financial crimes, he insisted that such efforts must be rooted in transparency and accountability.