A wave of public outrage has erupted in Abuja as protesters gathered outside a Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) branch following the controversial arrest of popular social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM). The protest, led mostly by young Nigerians, took place on Friday, May 3, 2025, just a day after VDM was apprehended by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Eyewitnesses reported that dozens of protesters converged in front of the GTBank located in Area 3, Garki, waving Nigerian flags and displaying placards bearing messages such as “Justice for VeryDarkMan,” “Stop the Oppression,” and “Say No to Tyranny.” The atmosphere was charged with chants demanding the immediate release of the activist and calling for transparency from both the EFCC and the bank.
VDM, a fierce critic of government corruption, social injustice, and celebrity misconduct, had reportedly gone to the GTBank branch to carry out personal transactions when the arrest took place. According to prominent activist-lawyer Deji Adeyanju, the influencer was allegedly detained in a suspicious manner that has fueled public speculation and condemnation.
“VDM was locked inside the GTBank exit door for over five minutes to enable EFCC to arrest him and his friend,” Adeyanju claimed in a widely shared social media post. “This is an inhumane setup, and we will pursue legal action against GTBank for this treatment.”
Adeyanju further revealed that his legal team, led by barrister Marvin Omorogbe, had located VDM at an EFCC detention facility and had initiated efforts to secure his release.
While the EFCC has yet to publicly disclose the charges against Otse, his arrest has triggered a national conversation about the growing trend of using state institutions to target vocal critics and activists. VDM, known for his candid, and often controversial, video commentaries, has gained a massive online following for his unapologetic stance on political accountability and societal reform. His posts routinely attract millions of views and stir heated debates across digital platforms.
Critics of the arrest allege that the EFCC may be acting under the influence of powerful individuals who have been subjects of VDM’s criticism. This narrative has further inflamed tensions, with many Nigerians accusing both the EFCC and GTBank of enabling a politically motivated crackdown.
Online, the hashtag #FreeVeryDarkMan trended for hours on Nigerian Twitter (now X), with thousands of users expressing solidarity with the detained activist. Civil society groups, legal professionals, and fellow influencers have also weighed in, calling for due process and the protection of free speech.
“This is not just about VDM. It’s about the rights of every Nigerian to speak truth to power without fear of harassment or arrest,” said a protester at the scene, who identified himself only as Tunde.
GTBank has yet to release an official statement addressing the allegations of complicity in the arrest, further fueling public suspicion. Calls and emails to the bank’s corporate communications team were unanswered at the time of this report.
As pressure mounts on the EFCC to justify the arrest and on GTBank to explain its role, observers warn that the incident could become a flashpoint in the ongoing debate about civic freedom and state overreach in Nigeria.
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