Nigerian social media activist, Martins Vincent Otse, popularly Known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), was arrested on May 2, 2025, by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) shortly after visiting a Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) branch in Abuja. The arrest has invited widespread public outcry and raised Questions about the roles of both the EFCC and GTBank in the incident.
According to VDM’s legal representative, Deji Adeyanju, the activist was detained after he and his mother visited the bank to inquire about unauthorized deductions from her account. Adeyanju alleges that VDM was trapped inside the bank’s exit door for over 5 minutes, facilitating his arrest by EFCC operatives waiting outside.
GTBank has responded by releasing CCTV footage showing VDM leaving the banking hall unimpeded. The video does not capture the actual arrest, leading to further speculation and debate among the public. The EFCC has confirmed VDM’s detention, citing ongoing investigations based on the petition received against him. However, the commission has not disclosed specific details about the allegations.
VDM’s Legal team reports that he has refused to see anyone since his detention, and concerns have been raised about the whereabouts of his mother, who was present during the incident. The incident has sparked a wave of reactions on social media, with hashtags like #FreeVeryDarkMan, and #BoycottGTBank trending as Nigerians express their concerns over the arrest and the political implications for freedom of expression and due process in the country.
As the situation unfolds, many are calling for transparency and accountability from Both the EFCC and GTBank regarding the circumstances leading to VDM’s arrest.
#FreeVDM