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.