Activist lawyer Deji Adeyanju has revealed that social media critic VeryDarkMan is still without his phone and car, even after securing his release from EFCC custody. VeryDarkMan, who was detained last Friday, regained his freedom on Wednesday. He said the EFCC arrested him over suspicions of money laundering.

Speaking on the matter, Adeyanju confirmed that although there were no formal conditions attached to the bail, he personally guaranteed VDM’s availability whenever the commission needs him. However, the EFCC has yet to return his phone and car.

“His phone and car are still with them,” Adeyanju said. “But despite everything, I still have respect for the EFCC Chairman.” VDM’s arrest followed a visit to GTBank with his mother, where they had gone to report suspicious deductions from her account.

Martins Vincent Otse, better known to many as That Very Dark Man (VDM), has finally regained his freedom. This is after being held by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). His release comes after days of public pressure, legal intervention, and strong advocacy from well-known voices in the human rights space.

Taking to his X account, activist and publisher Omoyele Sowore shared the news on Wednesday. He wrote, “Thanks to unrelenting efforts of all, @thatverydarkman has been released from unjust detention at the @officialEFCC! He is with his ebullient lawyer, @adeyanjudeji. #RevolutionNow.”

VDM’s arrest started serious controversy, with many Nigerians questioning the reason behind his sudden detention. His lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, revealed that the EFCC failed to present any formal petition when they picked him up. He described the detention as unlawful and a clear abuse of power. According to Adeyanju, even senior legal figures spoke out. Figures like Femi Falana (SAN) reached out repeatedly to the anti-graft agency in a bid to secure VDM’s release.

While the EFCC eventually admitted to detaining VDM, they claimed the move was in response to multiple petitions. Adding that he was allegedly involved in financial misconduct. Also, they also denied that his arrest had anything to do with his online activism or criticism of their operations.

That explanation, however, did little to calm the storm on social media where many Nigerians viewed his arrest as an attack on freedom of expression.

VDM is popular for his outspoken videos on corruption, injustice, and government abuse. This incident only fueled his growing reputation as a fearless critic of power. His arrest and eventual release have once again brought the EFCC under scrutiny, with many calling for transparency in how the agency handles such cases.

For now, VDM is yet to speak publicly since his release, but all eyes are on what he will say next. Whether or not the EFCC plans to press formal charges remains to be seen. What is clear, though, is that public voices, online solidarity, and legal resistance played a key role in pushing back against what many saw as an unjust arrest.

Nollywood star and comedian Okey Bakassi has been crowned the new king of his hometown, Umuihuocha, in Imo State.

In a video he shared on Tuesday, the actor was officially unveiled as the traditional ruler of the Umuihuocha Autonomous Community in Mbaise, surrounded by family and well-wishers.

Now known as His Royal Highness Eze Okechukwu Onyegbule, the Okwe II of Umuihuocha Obohia, his coronation was a colourful celebration filled with rich Igbo culture, music, and tradition.

Taking to his Instagram, Okey Bakassi gave fans a glimpse of the ceremony, describing it as a “special presentation as king (Eze) of Umuihuocha community.” Interestingly, the actor’s coronation took place just about two weeks after he first revealed that he had been chosen to lead his people.