Fisayo Soyombo Breaks Silence: ‘VDM’s Arrest Is A Plot To Crush Dissent

Fisayo Soyombo, acclaimed investigative journalist and founder of the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), has alleged that the arrest of Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), was aimed at silencing and punishing the outspoken activist.

VDM was apprehended last week by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at a Guaranty Trust Bank branch in Abuja.

In a statement released on its social media platforms, the EFCC confirmed the arrest, citing multiple petitions alleging various financial crimes. The Commission acknowledged VDM’s repeated verbal attacks on its operations but insisted these were not the reasons behind his detention.

Appearing on The Morning Brief on Channels Television on Tuesday, Soyombo argued that the arrest was a clear act of intimidation.

“I won’t categorize VDM’s actions as citizen journalism — I see it as activism. But regardless of the label, no individual deserves to be abducted or unlawfully detained by state agents,” he stated.

Soyombo pointed out the legal breach in the process, emphasizing that a suspect should be arraigned within 24 hours if a court is located within 100km of the detention facility, and within 48 hours if farther.

“This was an attempt to silence him, intimidate him, and make him pay a price for speaking out,” Soyombo said. “But detention shouldn’t be seen as punishment for telling the truth. It doesn’t work that way.”