The protesters were gathered in front of a Guarantee Trust Bank in the Federal Capital Territory, waving the Nigerian flag and holding placards bearing different descriptions.
Some youths have staged a protest at a Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) branch in Abuja following the controversial arrest of social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
The protesters were gathered in front of a Guarantee Trust Bank in the Federal Capital Territory, waving the Nigerian flag and holding placards bearing different descriptions.
Otse was apprehended on Thursday, May 2, 2025, shortly after visiting the GTBank branch in Area 3, Garki, Abuja.
The arrest, which occurred shortly after VDM visited the bank, has sparked widespread outrage, with allegations that GTBank collaborated with the EFCC to facilitate the detention of the outspoken critic.
According to activist-lawyer Deji Adeyanju, VDM was trapped inside GTBank’s exit door for over five minutes, allowing EFCC operatives to arrest him. Adeyanju condemned the incident, calling it an “inhumane setup” and vowing legal action against the bank.
“VDM was locked inside the GTB exit door for over five minutes to enable EFCC to arrest him and his friend,” Adeyanju stated in a social media post. “We will take legal action against GTB for this treatment.”
Adeyanju’s legal team, led by Marvin Omorogbe, confirmed they had located VDM in EFCC custody.
“Our lawyers are now with him, and we are working on securing his release,” Adeyanju added.
The exact charges against VDM remain unclear, but the arrest has raised concerns over the weaponisation of anti-graft agencies to silence critics. VeryDarkMan, known for his bold commentary on Nigerian politics and corruption, has frequently targeted high-profile figures, making him controversial.
The arrest has triggered online backlash, with many Nigerians accusing the EFCC and GTBank of targeting dissent. Protesters gathered at the GTBank branch in Abuja, demanding transparency and VDM’s immediate release.
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Protesters Storm GTBank Branch In Abuja Over EFCC Arrest Of Social Media Influencer VeryDarkMan – Sahara Reporters
