Protesters Storm GTBank Branch In Abuja Over EFCC Arrest Of Social Media Influencer VeryDarkMan

Following the contentious arrest of social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), some young people protested at a Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) branch in Abuja.

The demonstrators held placards with various descriptions and waved the Nigerian flag as they gathered in front of a Guarantee Trust Bank in the Federal Capital Territory.

Shortly after visiting the GTBank branch in Area 3, Garki, Abuja, Otse was taken into custody on Thursday, May 2, 2025. Guides to travel

Widespread indignation has been raised by the arrest, which happened soon after VDM visited the bank, and claims that GTBank worked with the EFCC to enable the vocal critic's detention.

Deji Adeyanju, an activist-lawyer, claims that VDM was detained by EFCC agents for more than five minutes after becoming stuck within GTBank's exit door. Adeyanju denounced the event, referring to it as a "inhumane setup" and promising to sue the bank.

Adeyanju wrote on social media, "VDM was locked inside the GTB exit door for more than five minutes to enable EFCC to arrest him and his friend." "We will file a lawsuit against GTB for this care."

Marvin Omorogbe, the head of Adeyanju's legal team, verified that they had found VDM in EFCC custody.

Adeyanju continued, "We are working on securing his release, and our lawyers are now with him."

Although the specific allegations against VDM are yet unknown, the detention has sparked worries about anti-graft authorities being used to stifle opponents. VeryDarkMan has been contentious due to his frequent targeting of prominent individuals and his audacious criticism on Nigerian politics and corruption. Guides to travel

Online outcry has been sparked by the detention, with many Nigerians accusing GTBank and the EFCC of persecuting dissent. At the GTBank branch in Abuja, demonstrators gathered to call for openness and the prompt release of VDM.