Crime
Amnesty International Demands The Release Of VeryDarkMan From EFCC’s Custody
Amnesty International Demands The Release Of VeryDarkMan From EFCC’s Custody
Amnesty International demands the release of VeryDarkMan from EFCC’s custody. Human rights group Amnesty International has denounced the detention of Martins Otse, a popular social critic commonly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM)
Human rights group Amnesty International has denounced the detention of Martins Otse, a popular social critic commonly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM).
Amnesty’s stance, which called on the federal government to end VeryDarkMan’s protracted detention, was disclosed via its social media post on Saturday.
The rights group stated that the circumstances, which led to VDM’s arrest and detention by operatives of the Economic Financial Crime Commission, depict an odd ploy to repress a dissenting voice.
“VeryDarkMan’s legitimate attempt to make corporate and public institutions to be accountable to the people is perfectly within his rights.
“Frequent manipulation of government agencies to silence dissenting voices undermines the rule of law,” the organisation stated.
VeryDarkMan was on Friday taken into custody by the EFCC. The social critic, alongside his friend, Steven Avuara, was reportedly accosted at gunpoint a few metres outside GT bank’s premises, located in Garki, Area 3, Abuja.
His legal counsel, Deji Adeyanju, said in a statement that his client was beaten and blindfolded by some armed men who wore black uniforms.
“Earlier today, May 2, 2025, our attention was drawn to the fact that our clients, Mr Martins Vincent Otse (AKA Very Dark Black Man) and Mr Steven Avuara (AKA C-PACK), were arrested by officers of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), immediately after they exited Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) Ltd’s premises at Garki, Area 3, Abuja,” Mr Adeyanju’s statement partly read.
Amnesty International Demands The Release Of VeryDarkMan
The spokesperson for the EFCC, Dele Oyewale, confirmed to Peoples Gazette that the social critic was detained following petitions by unidentified persons against him.
“We have some petitions against him that we are working on. He has some issues with us,” said Mr Oyewale.
Netizens, including civil groups and activists, have faulted EFCC’s arrest of the social critic while calling for his immediate release.
Political activist Omoyele Sowore, in a Facebook post on Sunday, hinted that the EFCC was currently making moves to legitimise VDM’s arrest by presenting him in court on Monday.
“It has been established that the EFCC unlawfully arrested and detained Martins Vincent Otse, aka VDM, as a means to silence him for accusing the agency and its leaders of corruption and malfeasance.
“The EFCC is currently exploring legal avenues to charge him to court, possibly tomorrow, in an attempt to legitimise their actions,” Mr Sowore stated.
EFCC Releases Ex-AGF Malami After Hours Of Interrogation
EFCC releases ex-AGF Malami after hours of interrogation. He said he would return for further questioning.
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has released the former attorney general of the federation and minister of justice, Abubakar Malami, after hours of interrogation by the anti-graft team.
Mr Malami confirmed his release in his X account on Saturday. The former minister said that he had been released and scheduled for another meeting with investigators.
He said that the reality behind the “fabricated allegations” levelled against him would become clearer with time.
“In line with my undertaking to keep Nigerians updated on my invitation by EFCC, I give glory to Allah for his divine intervention. “The engagement was successful and I am eventually released while on an appointment for further engagement as the truth relating to the fabricated allegations against me continues to unfold.”
EFCC Releases Ex-AGF Malami After Hours Of Interrogation
The EFCC had summoned Mr Malami through a letter dated November 24, and signed by Sunday Ofen-Imu on behalf of its chairman, Ola Olukoyede.
The EFCC did not disclose the specific allegations for which Mr Malami was invited.
Kano NSCDC Nabs 11 Suspected Hoodlums With Dangerous Weapons
Kano NSCDC nabs 11 suspected hoodlums with dangerous weapons. According to Mr Idris-Abdullahi, the suspects were arrested on Wednesday at about 1:00 a.m.
The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Kano State command, says it has arrested a gang of 11 suspected hoodlums found in possession of dangerous weapons in Mariri, Kumbotso Local Government Area.
This is contained in a statement issued on Friday in Kano by the command’s public relations officer, SC Ibrahim Idris-Abdullahi.
He listed the suspects as Idris Muhammad,20, Abubakar Shuaibu,24, Sagiru Hassan Yusuf, 25, Idris Muhammad Morata, 25, and Anas Rabiu, 23.
Others were Yahaya Muhammad, 29, Khalid Idris, 28, Muhammad Adamu, 19, Muktar Auwal Muktar ,22, Salim Muktar, 18, and Saifullahi Nuhu,18.
According to Mr Idris-Abdullahi, operatives of the command apprehended the suspects on Wednesday at about 1:00 a.m, armed with dangerous local weapons.
NSCDC
“The gang was on a rampage after attending a local traditional festival in Mariri area and were attacking residents and dispossessing them of their belongings.
“The gang also stormed a nearby NSCDC outpost in Mariri, attacked and left a staff fractured in the office” he said
Idris-Abdullahi listed the items recovered to include six cutlasses, swords and a pair of scissors.
He added that the command’s intelligence and investigation department had concluded investigations and the suspects would be charged to court.
Idris-Abdullahi quoted the state commandant, Mohammed Hassan-Agalama, as reaffirming the command’s commitment to tackling criminal activities, protecting critical national assets and safeguarding public peace in Kano State.
Lagos Police Nab 26 Over Counterfeit Currency, Adulterated Diesel
Lagos Police nab 26 over counterfeit currency, adulterated diesel. The police said N951,300 in counterfeit notes was recovered from the suspects’ premises during the raid.
The police command in Lagos has apprehended 26 suspects over counterfeit currency and adulterated diesel in the Eti-Osa and Lekki areas. The command spokesperson, SP Abimbola Adebisi, confirmed this in a statement on Friday.
She said the suspects were apprehended on Thursday afternoon during a joint operation conducted by police officers and officials of the Kick Against Indiscipline.
According to her, a total of N951,300 in counterfeit notes was recovered from the suspects’ premises during the raid.
The spokesperson said investigations revealed that four of the suspects were directly involved in the production and distribution of adulterated diesel and engine oil, locally known as ‘rice and beans’.
“The illicit product was sold to unsuspecting motorists across the area. Two other suspects were identified as suppliers of the adulterated petroleum products,” she said.
Police Arrests
Ms Adebisi said that police commissioner Olohundare Jimoh warned all criminally minded individuals to desist from their nefarious activities.
“CP Jimoh cautioned that anyone involved in acts that threaten public peace or economic stability will face the full weight of the law,” she said.
She assured residents that Lagos remains safe, reiterating that the command is in control of the security situation and has prioritised the safety and well-being of all residents.
She urged the public to provide credible and timely information that could assist the police in apprehending criminals and preventing crime.
“Public cooperation remains essential to sustaining the peace and security for which Lagos state is known,” she said.
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