What happens when a digital activist confronts a corporate giant—and ends up behind bars? That’s the question on many Nigerians’ minds after Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), was arrested following allegations against GTBank over suspicious deductions from his mother’s account.
On May 2, 2025, VDM was detained by the EFCC shortly after visiting a GTBank branch in Abuja. His arrest, allegedly aided by the bank, has sparked nationwide debate over digital rights, abuse of power, and corporate accountability. Even Peter Obi, former presidential candidate, weighed in, warning against the growing threat to civil liberties in Nigeria.
This article unpacks what happened, the public’s reaction, and what this means for freedom of expression in Nigeria.
What Really Happened?
VeryDarkMan, known for his bold social commentaries, took to social media with claims about suspicious transactions on his mother’s GTBank account, claiming that loans were being repaid from her account without her consent. He stated, “We have requested her bank statements, so we know when the debiting started. So far, in this year alone, there have been more than seven debits on loan repayments.”
He visited GTBank in Abuja to demand accountability, and shortly after exiting the premises, he was picked up by the EFCC.
According to reports from his lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, VDM was locked inside the bank’s exit door for several minutes before armed men in black outfits arrived. He was allegedly beaten, blindfolded, and taken to the EFCC headquarters. The EFCC has yet to issue a detailed explanation.
In the wake of the arrest, GTBank released CCTV footage purportedly showing the events leading up to VDM’s detention. The bank has not issued an official statement regarding the allegations or the circumstances of the arrest.
Public Outrage and Online Solidarity
Nigerians took to X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook to express their outrage. Hashtags like #FreeVeryDarkMan and #JusticeForVDM quickly trended.
Supporters called his arrest an abuse of power, and many questioned GTBank’s role in facilitating what felt less like a lawful arrest and more like a setup.
Peter Obi, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, issued a strong statement condemning the arrest. He said:
“The manner in which VDM was arrested resembles an abduction. Actions like this undermine public trust in institutions and pose a serious threat to our civil liberties.”
He also questioned the reputational cost to GTBank and called for a more transparent, civil approach when addressing such disputes:
“A more civil method would have saved GTBank from shame and spared Nigerians this outrage.”
Obi further warned against the growing culture of silencing young voices through intimidation or force:
“Suppressing young voices is a dangerous path. It must not become normal in a democratic society.”
Why This Matters
VeryDarkMan’s arrest isn’t just a one-off incident—it represents a growing pattern in which vocal critics and influencers are targeted for speaking up. This has serious implications for digital rights, especially in a country where social media often serves as the only platform for accountability.
If a major bank can allegedly be involved in such a dramatic arrest, what does that say about corporate responsibility? And if law enforcement can act with such force over an online complaint, where is the line between justice and oppression?
This case raises bigger questions: Are institutions equipped to handle public criticism constructively? And can everyday citizens challenge power without fear of retaliation?
Conclusion
The drama between VeryDarkMan and GTBank has stirred something deeper than a single arrest—it has reignited conversations about the power of voice, the danger of silence, and the urgent need for reform.
What are your thoughts on this incident? Should digital activism come with legal risks, or is this a clear case of overreach? Drop a comment below and join the conversation.
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