EFCC Slams BBC ‘Fake News’ as 300 Protesters Demand VDM’s Release

By Sharon Zachariah

Editor

Sharon Zachariah

Posted: May 6, 2025 at 7:37 am, Updated: May 6, 2025 at 7:37 am

EFCC Slams BBC ‘Fake News’ as 300 Protesters Demand VDM’s Release

A fierce storm of public outrage hit the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Monday after the agency labeled a BBC News Pidgin report as “FAKE NEWS.” The BBC had earlier published that the EFCC confirmed it arrested Nigerian social media firebrand, Martins Vincent Otse—popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM)—over multiple petitions.

In its swift rebuttal, the EFCC used its official Instagram and Facebook pages to discredit the BBC’s claim. The posts included a screenshot of the article and a bold caption that simply read: “FAKE NEWS.” This single action fueled a larger movement, one that had already been bubbling under the surface.

Earlier in the day, Abuja saw an unusual wave of youthful energy pour onto its streets. Over 300 young protesters, mostly in their 20s, gathered at the EFCC’s headquarters in Jabi before marching across the city. They didn’t carry stones or sticks. Instead, they held placards that told stories of defiance and belief. The slogans read: “Activism is not a sin,” “VDM is the masses’ liberator,” and “He’s not a thief! Release VDM!”

Their chants echoed loud and clear: #FreeVDM, “Carry Yahaya Bello, bring VDM!” They didn’t mince words. They wanted the truth, not what they called government-backed smears.

VDM has become a household name in Nigeria’s digital space for speaking boldly against injustice, political corruption, and social inequality. His no-filter style may have landed him in hot water with those in power, but for many young Nigerians, he speaks their truth.

The BBC report that sparked the firestorm quoted EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale, who allegedly said: “We arrested him to respond to a series of allegations raised against him by some petitioners. We will release him when he meets the bail conditions, and we will take the case to court as soon as possible; we are law-abiding.”

If this statement was genuine, it would have confirmed the reason for VDM’s arrest—cyberstalking, as alleged by several petitioners. But the EFCC’s rebuttal has cast serious doubt on whether that quote was real or entirely fabricated.

The contradiction left Nigerians confused and angry. Why was the anti-graft agency sharing mixed signals about such a high-profile case?

According to earlier reports by THEWILL, EFCC operatives picked up VDM on Friday right after he visited a GTBank branch in Area 3, Garki, Abuja. Since then, speculation has swirled online, with many claiming that the arrest was politically motivated.

“He’s not just an influencer. He’s a voice for those who can’t speak for themselves,” said one protester, Chidinma Okoro, who joined the rally in Abuja. “If they silence him, they silence all of us.”

Many see VDM as more than a social media figure. His fearless content cuts deep into issues others shy away from. He’s taken on alleged fraudsters, corrupt officials, and fake activists. That boldness has gained him both enemies and loyal supporters.

The confusion intensified because the EFCC, even while tagging the BBC report as false, did not outright deny that VDM had been arrested. Their post focused on the BBC’s reporting but didn’t offer clear details about whether or not VDM was in their custody or what charges he might face.

By avoiding those facts, the commission stirred more questions than answers.

Meanwhile, protest organizers urged fellow citizens to stay peaceful but firm. They also called on the National Human Rights Commission to investigate what they described as a “targeted crackdown on free speech.”

“This isn’t about just one man. It’s about all Nigerians who speak truth to power,” said Usman Idris, another protester. “If they can take him in without a proper explanation, who’s next?”

At the heart of the matter is transparency—or the lack of it. Critics say the EFCC’s attempt to control the narrative shows a deeper problem in Nigeria’s system of justice and media engagement.

Human rights groups have since weighed in, with some calling for an independent inquiry into VDM’s arrest and the conflicting reports surrounding it.

Legal experts also chimed in, pointing out that any lawful arrest must be followed by clear charges and legal procedure. If VDM was indeed taken in over petitions, the public has a right to know the nature of those complaints and what evidence supports them.

But until now, the EFCC has provided no clear information about his alleged offenses or even confirmed whether he is still in detention.

This silence from the agency has left a vacuum that is being filled with anger, fear, and speculation. In that vacuum, young people—many of whom see VDM as one of the last honest voices in Nigerian public life—have taken to the streets.

And they are not backing down.

The protests may have started in Abuja, but online support for VDM has exploded nationwide. The hashtag #FreeVDM has trended for days on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook. Celebrities, activists, and even some politicians have lent their voices.

As of Monday evening, VDM’s legal team had not made any official statement. Sources close to the family say they are still trying to get access to him and clarify the real reasons behind his arrest—if he is still being held.

For now, Nigeria waits. Some wait in anger. Some in hope. But almost everyone wants one thing—clarity.

They want to know if a man who speaks truth to power is paying the price for it, or if a serious legal case is unfolding behind closed doors.

Whichever the case, the public deserves the full truth, not filtered headlines or cryptic social media posts. Because when silence replaces accountability, trust becomes the first casualty.