By Ade Iyamoye
Renowned human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju is rushing back to Nigeria from Gambia following the controversial arrest and detention of social commentator Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Adeyanju, who had been on a trip to Banjul, confirmed he is returning by 4 p.m. on Sunday and will proceed directly to the EFCC headquarters in Abuja on Monday.
His mission: to challenge what he calls the unlawful detention of his client.
“I have decided to cut my trip short and will be back to Nigeria tomorrow by 4 p.m. and head straight to EFCC,” Adeyanju told The Guardian.
The EFCC, acting on an arrest warrant allegedly issued by Magistrate Njideka Iloanya-Duru of Wuse Zone 2, detained Otse over allegations of cyberstalking.
However, Adeyanju’s law firm, Deji Adeyanju and Partners, claims the process has been shrouded in secrecy, marred by rights violations, and lacking transparency.
In a strongly worded statement signed by the firm’s associate, Zainab Otega, the legal team accused EFCC operatives of using excessive force during the arrest.
They allege that Otse, his mother Blessing Otse, and his friend Steven Avuara were attacked by armed men in black uniforms shortly after stepping out of a GTBank branch in Abuja.
The men reportedly blindfolded and assaulted them before transporting Otse and Avuara to the EFCC’s Special Duty Committee Unit 4.
Avuara, who managed to speak with the firm’s lawyers, described the ordeal as traumatic and violent. He also claimed EFCC operatives labeled them “bandits” and threatened them with firearms.
Disturbingly, Otse has reportedly declined to speak with anyone, raising fears of psychological and physical abuse in custody.
The law firm said its lawyers withdrew from an interrogation session after EFCC officers failed to disclose any formal allegations against Avuara, insisting instead on questioning him about his relationship with Otse.
“Our clients have rights guaranteed by the constitution, and we demand they be upheld,” the law firm declared.
As public pressure mounts, with celebrities and political figures calling for Otse’s release, all eyes will be on Adeyanju’s Monday visit to the EFCC.
His legal firepower and advocacy could ignite a broader reckoning over how state institutions wield their powers against outspoken voices.
