Activist VeryDarkMan Arrested After Calling Out GTBank Over Alleged Unauthorized Transactions

 

Prominent social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, widely known to his followers as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has been arrested by officers of the Nigeria Police Force in Abuja following his outspoken criticism of Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank). The incident has triggered widespread concern among supporters, legal experts, and advocates of free speech, who have called the arrest an affront to civil liberties.

The news of his detention was confirmed on Friday by his legal representative, human rights lawyer Barrister Deji Adeyanju. According to Adeyanju, the arrest occurred at Area 3 in Abuja, where VDM had gone to follow up on an ongoing dispute involving unauthorized withdrawals from his mother’s bank account. The activist, who is known for his fearless approach to controversial topics on social media, had previously taken to various platforms to demand accountability from GTBank, accusing the financial institution of failing to secure his mother’s funds.

Eyewitness reports suggest that VDM was arrested alongside a companion identified as C Park, while his mother—who was at the bank at the time—was not taken into custody. The abrupt nature of the arrest and the involvement of multiple police officers has only intensified public scrutiny surrounding the event.

Speaking through his Twitter handle, Barrister Adeyanju did not mince words as he described the situation as unacceptable. “JUST IN: VDM arrested by the police at GTB. Spoke to them before he was arrested. This is absolutely unacceptable. Demanding accountability is not a crime,” he tweeted. A follow-up post confirmed the arresting officers were a team of policemen, and while both VDM and his friend were taken away, his mother was left behind at the premises.

Martins Otse has carved out a niche for himself in Nigeria's online activist space, using his platform to spotlight issues ranging from social injustice to financial malpractice. His blunt, no-holds-barred commentary has earned him both devoted followers and fierce critics. Despite this polarizing reputation, his latest arrest is widely seen as a disturbing development in the country’s complex relationship with digital activism and freedom of expression.

Legal experts and civil society groups are rallying behind the activist, demanding transparency from both the police and GTBank over the circumstances that led to his arrest. Many argue that the use of police resources to detain a civilian for voicing concerns on a financial matter constitutes an abuse of power and a deliberate attempt to silence a dissenting voice.

The central issue revolves around an unresolved banking transaction involving VDM’s mother, which the activist claimed was carried out without authorization. Frustrated by what he described as a lack of adequate response from GTBank, he had taken the matter public, urging Nigerians to hold financial institutions accountable. It appears this vocal stance may have provoked the institution or other entities to take retaliatory measures.

Across social media platforms, the hashtag #FreeVDM began trending shortly after news of his arrest broke. Activists, influencers, and ordinary citizens alike have flooded Twitter and Instagram with calls for his immediate release. Many see this episode as emblematic of the broader issues plaguing the Nigerian justice system, where whistleblowers and critics often face harassment or detention.

GTBank has yet to issue an official statement on the matter, and repeated attempts to contact their public relations office have been unsuccessful. The Nigeria Police Force has also remained tight-lipped, providing no immediate explanation for the arrest or the legal basis upon which VDM is being detained.

Public commentators warn that this latest action could set a dangerous precedent, discouraging Nigerians from speaking out against perceived institutional wrongs. According to Adeyanju, legal steps are already being taken to ensure VDM’s rights are upheld and to secure his release. “We will not rest until justice is served,” he asserted.

Political observers note that this case could re-ignite long-standing debates about the need for police reform and stronger protections for freedom of speech in Nigeria. With the digital space becoming an increasingly important arena for civic discourse, the treatment of voices like VeryDarkMan’s may well determine the future of activism in the country.

The coming days will be critical as legal proceedings unfold and public pressure mounts. For now, many are left wondering what this arrest says about the current state of democracy and the shrinking space for dissent in Nigeria.