Reps Minority Caucus Slams EFCC Over Detention of Very Dark Man
The Minority Caucus in the House of Representatives has criticized the arrest and continued detention of activist Martins Otse, widely known as Very Dark Man (VDM), by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
In a statement signed by caucus leaders—Rep Kingsley Chinda (Minority Leader), Rt. Hon. Dr. Ali Isa J.C (Minority Whip), Rt. Hon. Aliyu Madaki (Deputy Minority Leader), and Rt. Hon. George Ozodinobi (Deputy Minority Whip)—the lawmakers warned that the use of state power to target outspoken citizens is dangerous for democracy.
They said “The disturbing trend of security and law enforcement agencies deploying their powers arbitrarily against citizens exercising their rights to free expression poses grave threats to our democracy.”
The caucus argued that EFCC’s actions damage public trust in the rule of law.
“We must state clearly that such acts, cloaked in the guise of enforcement, erode public confidence in the rule of law and undermine the principles of accountability and transparency,” the statement said.
They pointed out that Otse was reportedly arrested without a warrant, which they said goes against the 1999 Constitution.
“The arrest of Mr. Otse which reportedly took place without the issuance of a warrant is a direct violation of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) that guarantees the liberty of the citizen except in accordance with the due process of law,” the caucus said.
They cited Sections 35(1) and 35(3) of the Constitution, which require that anyone arrested must be told why and informed of any charges without delay. They also noted that the law demands suspects be taken to court within 48 hours.
“The EFCC, like every other agency of government, is bound by these constitutional provisions and must not act outside their bounds,” they added.
“Moreover, the continued detention of Mr. Otse beyond the constitutionally permissible period of 24 to 48 hours without being charged to court is not only an abuse of power, it is also a blatant affront to the principles of natural justice and fair hearing,” the lawmakers said.
They called for Otse’s immediate release or for the EFCC to formally charge him.
“Arbitrary arrests and prolonged detentions of citizens for expressing dissenting or unpopular views must have no place in a democratic society,” the statement added.
“The preservation of liberty, due process, and respect for constitutional rights remain the bedrock of our republic. We will not stand idly by while state agencies abuse their powers to suppress voices that challenge the status quo in line with the laws.”
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