In a dramatic turn of events, Nigerian social media influencer and activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), was arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at a Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) branch in Abuja on May 2, 2025. The incident, reportedly linked to VDM’s public criticism of GTB over unauthorized deductions from his mother’s account, has ignited a firestorm of outrage among netizens, who are now questioning the bank’s integrity and practices.
According to multiple reports, VeryDarkMan visited a GTB branch in Area 3, Abuja, alongside his mother to address concerns about unauthorized debits from her salary account. VDM had previously taken to social media to call out GTB, alleging that the bank deducted funds for a loan his mother never applied for. His outspoken criticism, which garnered significant attention online, appears to have prompted swift action from authorities.
VDM’s lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, confirmed the arrest, alleging that GTB facilitated the EFCC’s intervention by locking VDM and his friend (C Park) inside the bank’s exit door for over five minutes to enable the arrest while they left his mom there. Adeyanju described the treatment as “inhumane” and vowed to pursue legal action against GTB, further fueling public discontent. While some reports initially indicated that the Nigerian Police Force made the arrest, it was later clarified that VDM was detained by the EFCC, where he reportedly refused to leave his cell or meet with visitors.
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Onlookers described the scence as inhumane, with VDM’s mother reportedly in tears as she witnessed her son being beaten and taken away. Eyewitnesses claimed the officers dressed in black uniforms with black vans were unmarked and did not identify themselves as EFCC or the police. The arrest has sparked widespread anger on social media platforms, particularly X, where users have accused GTB of colluding with authorities to silence VDM. Posts on X reflect a deep sense of betrayal, with many calling for boycotts and urging customers to withdraw funds from GTB accounts in protest.
WATCH: KokoPee narrates what really happened to VeryDarkMan at a popular bank recently
Some Trending Post of Angry X users
The hashtag #FREEVDM has gained traction, with netizens questioning the legality of the arrest and criticizing GTB’s handling of customer complaints. Many argue that VDM’s detention highlights broader issues of transparency and accountability in Nigeria’s banking sector. The sentiment is clear: netizens feel that GTB’s actions reflect a disregard for customer rights and a willingness to suppress criticism.
As of now, GT Bank has not issued an official statement addressing the arrest or the allegations of unauthorized transactions. This silence has only deepened public distrust, with many netizens interpreting it as an admission of guilt. The lack of communication comes at a time when GTB is already under scrutiny for recent service disruptions following a transition to a new core banking system, Finacle, which left customers unable to access funds or complete transactions.
VDM’s lawyer has promised a legal battle, and his supporters are rallying behind him, demanding clarity on the circumstances of his arrest. The EFCC, too, has remained tight-lipped, with no confirmation of formal charges against VDM. This opacity has led to speculation about the motives behind the arrest, with some netizens suggesting that VDM’s vocal activism made him a target.
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Why Was Verydarkman Arrested at GTB?
The controversy surrounding VDM’s arrest underscores deeper issues with unauthorized deductions from his mother’s account. Unauthorized deductions, poor customer service, and a perceived lack of accountability have long been pain points for customers. VDM’s case has brought these grievances to the forefront, amplifying calls for regulatory oversight and reforms to protect consumers.
While some netizens have criticized VDM for airing his grievances publicly, others applaud his courage in challenging a powerful institution like GTB. The incident has also reignited debates about the role of the EFCC in addressing financial disputes and whether its actions in this case were justified.
As of the time of reporting, the police have not issued any official statement regarding the arrest, and it remains unclear whether formal charges have been filed. The incident has raised questions about the role of financial institutions in Nigeria and their responsibility to protect customer interests. The public outcry surrounding VDM’s arrest serves as a reminder of the power of social media in holding institutions accountable and amplifying voices that demand justice.
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As legal proceedings loom, all eyes are on GTB and the EFCC to provide clarity on the events leading to VDM’s arrest. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for GTB’s reputation and customer trust. For now, VeryDarkMan remains a polarizing figure, with supporters rallying to his cause and detractors questioning his methods. The anger among netizens shows no signs of abating, and the #FREEVDM movement continues to gain momentum. Whether GTB can weather this storm and restore public confidence remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the arrest of VeryDarkMan has struck a nerve, exposing fault lines in Nigeria’s banking industry that can no longer be ignored.