Uproar over VeryDarkMan’s arrest as protesters storm GTBank Abuja

Uproar over VeryDarkMan’s arrest as protesters storm GTBank Abuja

A large crowd of protesters gathered at the Guaranty Trust Bank headquarters in Abuja on Monday, demanding the release of social media influencer Martins Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan.

Chanting “#FreeVDM” and holding placards with messages such as “Activism is not a sin,” “VDM is the masses’ liberator,” and “VDM has committed no offence,” the demonstrators voiced their support for the activist.

VeryDarkMan was recently arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations of cyberstalking, a move that has sparked widespread outrage online. His detention has also led to speculation about the bank’s possible involvement, with critics questioning whether the arrest was part of a broader crackdown on dissent.

According to his legal representative, activist-lawyer Deji Adeyanju, VeryDarkMan was ambushed by EFCC operatives inside the GTBank premises.

Denying the claim and releasing CCTV footage, the bank stated that the social media influencer was not picked up on its premises, and urged that further investigations be conducted.

However, the footage does not capture the actual arrest, most likely because the security cameras did not cover that specific area outside the bank.

Recall that in May 2024, he was arraigned at the Federal High Court in Abuja on five counts of cyberstalking. The charges stemmed from alleged online harassment of the Nigeria Police Force and Nollywood actresses Iyabo Ojo and Tonto Dikeh.

He pleaded not guilty and was remanded in custody until his bail hearing.

Later in November 2024, he faced fresh charges of impersonation before an Abuja Chief Magistrate’s Court. Prosecutors accused him of unlawfully dressing as a police officer and presenting himself as one. He again pleaded not guilty and was granted bail in the sum of ₦2 million.

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