On May 2, 2025, Nigerian social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), was arrested by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja. The arrest occurred shortly after VDM visited a Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) branch in Garki, Area 3, Abuja, to report unauthorized transactions on his mother’s account.
Circumstances of the Arrest
According to VDM’s legal representative, Deji Adeyanju, VDM and his friend, Steven Avuara, were apprehended by EFCC operatives immediately after exiting the bank premises. Adeyanju alleges that VDM was detained inside the bank’s exit door for over five minutes, facilitating the arrest. The EFCC reportedly transported both individuals to their headquarters in Jabi, Abuja .
Legal and Public Reactions
The EFCC has cited petitions against VDM as the basis for his detention but has not disclosed specific charges. An arrest warrant presented to VDM’s legal team indicates allegations of cyberstalking. As of May 3, 2025, over 24 hours after the arrest, the EFCC had not provided detailed information regarding the allegations .
The arrest has sparked public outcry, with critics accusing GTBank of complicity. In response, GTBank released CCTV footage showing VDM leaving the banking hall unimpeded, asserting no involvement in the arrest .
Notably, Nigerian musician Eedris Abdulkareem condemned the arrest, emphasizing the importance of due legal process over arbitrary detention .
Ongoing Developments
VDM’s legal team is pursuing his release and has indicated plans to take legal action against GTBank for alleged inhumane treatment during the arrest. As of now, VDM remains in EFCC custody, and further updates are awaited.
For a visual account of the arrest, you can watch the following video:
Leave a Reply