#FreeVDM: Protesters Storm GTBank After Controversial Social Media Activist’s Arrest [VIDEO]

 

Tension rose in Nigeria’s capital on Monday as young demonstrators flooded the streets of Abuja, demanding the immediate release of Martins Otse, better known by his social media moniker VeryDarkMan (VDM). The outspoken online activist, whose recent commentaries have frequently sparked controversy, was reportedly apprehended by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) following a visit to a Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) branch with his mother.

Chants of “He’s not a thief!” and “Release VDM!” rang out from impassioned protesters who congregated in large numbers, many carrying placards bearing slogans like “Activism is not a sin”, “VDM is the masses’ liberator”, and “VDM has committed no offence.” The atmosphere outside the GTBank headquarters in Abuja was charged with emotion, as youths expressed their frustration at what they believe to be a pattern of intimidation against voices of dissent.

According to eyewitness reports and statements from his legal team, Otse had visited the bank to help his mother resolve a banking issue. After concluding their business, he was allegedly ambushed by security agents just as he stepped out of the building. His arrest did not go unnoticed, as bystanders quickly began recording and sharing footage online, triggering immediate backlash from supporters and human rights advocates.

Deji Adeyanju, a well-known activist-lawyer and the legal representative of Otse, decried the manner of the arrest, labeling it an act of harassment. He claimed EFCC operatives had violated protocol by laying in wait for Otse at the bank’s premises and seizing him without a warrant. Adeyanju accused the agency of collaborating with powerful interests to silence the popular critic, who has frequently used his online platforms to challenge corruption and social injustice.

The backlash prompted GTBank to respond publicly. The bank issued a statement denying any involvement in the arrest and released CCTV footage in an effort to clear its name. The video clip, shared widely on social media, shows Otse exiting the banking hall and walking toward the car park, moments before his reported apprehension. However, the critical moment of the arrest is missing from the footage, likely because the bank’s security cameras did not extend coverage to that specific area outside the facility.

Despite the bank’s denial, critics remain unconvinced. Accusations of complicity continue to swirl, with many asserting that the arrest was timed to coincide with Otse’s visit to GTBank in a deliberate attempt to avoid public scrutiny. “It feels too coordinated,” said one protester. “They knew he would be here. It’s not a coincidence.”

Otse is no stranger to legal battles. He has been the subject of multiple criminal charges in the past year, most notably his May 2024 arraignment at the Federal High Court in Abuja. There, he faced five counts of cyberstalking, allegedly targeting the Nigeria Police Force and Nollywood actresses Iyabo Ojo and Tonto Dikeh through a series of provocative online posts. He pleaded not guilty and was remanded in custody pending a bail hearing.

The saga continued in November 2024 when Otse was again brought before the courts, this time on charges of impersonation. Prosecutors claimed he unlawfully presented himself as a police officer, complete with attire and demeanor, in a bid to mislead the public. Once more, he denied the allegations and was granted bail set at ₦2 million.

Public opinion remains divided. While critics dismiss Otse’s antics as provocative and self-serving, his supporters hail him as a necessary voice in a society grappling with systemic injustice. They argue that his fearlessness in confronting authority figures and institutions has made him a target.

“VDM speaks for the voiceless,” said Amina, a 26-year-old protester. “He calls out corruption and hypocrisy. That’s why they want to shut him up.”

The EFCC has yet to release an official statement on the latest arrest. Speculation continues to mount as activists and civil society groups demand transparency and the immediate release of Otse. Calls for a review of the charges and the legality of the arrest have intensified, with legal observers urging the judiciary to ensure due process is upheld.

For now, the fate of VeryDarkMan remains uncertain. But what’s undeniable is that his voice—and now his arrest—has ignited a movement that appears determined to resist what they see as creeping authoritarianism. As chants of #FreeVDM reverberate through the streets and across social media, a deeper national conversation about activism, power, and accountability in Nigeria has been reignited. 

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