The recent arrest of popular social media critic Martins Vincent Otse, known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at a Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) branch in Abuja has sparked widespread condemnation and raised questions about the bank's involvement. According to VDM's legal representative, Deji Adeyanju, the activist was apprehended on May 2, 2025, shortly after visiting the GTBank branch in Garki, Area 3, Abuja, with his mother and associate, Steven Avuara, to address unauthorized deductions from his mother's account. Adeyanju alleges that VDM was locked inside the bank's exit door for over five minutes, facilitating his arrest by EFCC operatives waiting outside .
The EFCC has not officially disclosed the charges against VDM. However, sources suggest that the arrest may be linked to allegations of cyberstalking and financial misconduct . In response to the incident, Adeyanju has threatened legal action against both the EFCC and GTBank, citing inhumane treatment and violation of his client's rights. He also expressed concern over the EFCC's refusal to allow VDM's family to provide him with food while in custody . The arrest has ignited a social media campaign under the hashtag #FreeVeryDarkMan, with many Nigerians expressing outrage over the perceived abuse of power and the role of GTBank in the incident. Some users have called for a boycott of the bank, accusing it of complicity in the arrest. As of now, GTBank has not issued an official statement regarding the incident. The EFCC also remains silent on the matter, further fueling public speculation and concern. The situation continues to develop, with legal proceedings and public protests expected in the coming days.
