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| EFCC Holds Martins Innocent Otse over Multiple Petitions, Offers Bail After Remand Order |
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has arrested social media activist and commentator Martins Innocent Otse. The arrest follows several petitions alleging financial wrongdoing. Otse refused to attend multiple EFCC invitations. He now faces investigation and awaits formal charges.
EFCC spokespeople say the petitions against Otse include grave claims of financial malfeasance. These complaints came from various individuals, not a single institution. EFCC obtained a remand order from a magistrate court. Otse was then held in custody like any other suspect under probe .
Officials stress that Otse’s vocal criticism of the commission did not cause his arrest. They noted the law enforcement agency will review any attacks he made on EFCC operations .
Sources report petitions cited unauthorized deductions from bank accounts and alleged misuse of funds. One complaint involved Otse’s visit to a GTBank branch in Garki, Abuja, to question deductions from his mother’s account .
A human rights group said Otse and an associate were detained after bank staff reportedly locked them inside an exit door for over five minutes. That move allowed EFCC officers to arrest them without warning .
The EFCC says it lawfully remanded Otse and secured a court order. The commission has offered him administrative bail. Otse will be released once he meets all bail conditions .
His legal team plans to apply for bail as soon as they gain full access to case details. They insist Otse’s rights must be upheld.
Legal analyst Dr. Aisha Suleiman notes that EFCC has wide powers to detain suspects pending investigation. She warns that due process is vital to avoid claims of abuse. She adds that patience is key, as charges must be supported by solid evidence.
Human rights lawyer Chidi Nwosu argues that the commission must clearly state the allegations against Otse. He says vague petitions risk undermining public trust in EFCC’s mandate.
Last year, EFCC secured over 4,000 convictions and recovered nearly $500 million in illicit funds. It also seized 931,052 metric tons of petroleum products and 975 real estate properties . In 2024, the agency reported N364 billion in asset recoveries and 4,111 convictions across 15 states .
These figures show the EFCC’s broad mandate. Critics say the agency must balance its work with respect for civil rights.
The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has condemned Otse’s detention. It views the arrest as “unlawful and arbitrary.” HURIWA demands his immediate release and fair hearing .
The Take It Back Movement also called Otse’s arrest “premeditated” and urged EFCC to end what it described as targeted operations against critics .
EFCC says it values public interest in its activities. It asks Nigerians to allow it work without suspicion. Charges against Otse will be filed once investigations conclude .
Otse’s case may test EFCC’s commitment to both fighting financial crime and following due process. The public will watch closely as the commission moves to court.