#FreeVDM : Nigerians Storm GTB to Protest the Allege Arrest of VDM
A group of angry Nigerian youths took to the streets of Abuja on Monday, gathering outside a GTBank branch and EFCC head quarters to demand the release of outspoken social media activist, Martin Vincent Otse, better known online as VeryDarkMan (VDM).
The protest was sparked by his detention last Friday by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) shortly after he visited a GTBank branch to investigate a loan deduction from his mother’s account.
Why GTBank Is at the Center of the Controversy
According to sources close to VDM, the activist had gone to the bank to question a suspicious loan-related debit from his mother’s account—an issue that allegedly left the family unsettled. It was during or shortly after this visit that EFCC operatives reportedly swooped in and whisked him away.
Although GTBank has publicly denied any involvement in the arrest, they acknowledged that VDM visited their branch that day. The bank has since released CCTV footage showing the influencer exiting the premises calmly, without any physical confrontation.
In a statement issued on Saturday, GTBank stated:
“We wish to clarify that Mr. Vincent Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan, was not arrested inside our premises. He left peacefully. We had no role in his subsequent encounter with law enforcement.”
What Happened to VDM?
According to eyewitnesses, VDM was reportedly whisked away by unknown armed men on Friday, April 26 . It was later confirmed by activist lawyer Barrister Deji Adeyanju that he is currently in EFCC custody. However, no official statement has been issued by the EFCC regarding why he was detained.
“VDM is with the EFCC. That much we know. But we’re still waiting for the Commission to officially explain why he was arrested,” Barr. Adeyanju said on X (formerly Twitter).
Supporters of VDM Demand Answers
Monday’s protest outside GTBank in Abuja drew a crowd of passionate youths holding placards with slogans like “Free VeryDarkMan ” and “Justice for VDM.” Some protesters believe the arrest was politically motivated or tied to his recent criticisms of powerful figures and institutions.
“He speaks the truth, and now they’re trying to silence him,” one protester told GoldenNewsNg. “We won’t just sit back and watch it happen.”
Protesters Aren’t Buying the Bank’s Denial
Despite the footage and public statement, many of VDM’s supporters believe there’s more to the story.
Protesters outside the GTBank branch on Monday accused the bank of deliberately stalling VDM during his visit, allegedly giving EFCC agents time to close in on his location. They believe GTBank may have tipped off the authorities, resulting in what they describe as a “set-up.”
“They held him up on purpose. He came to make a complaint, and next thing we know, he’s with the EFCC. We don’t believe this was a coincidence,” one protester told GoldenNewsNg.
Placards with bold messages such as “Free VDM Now,” “Stop Silencing the Truth,” and “GTBank Has Questions to Answer” were seen at the protest site.
What We Know So Far
VDM was taken into custody on Friday, April 26, under circumstances that remain unclear. Lawyer and activist Barrister Deji Adeyanju confirmed that he is being held by the EFCC, but no formal charges or reasons for his detention have been released to the public.
“He is with the EFCC. That much is confirmed. But we’re still in the dark about why exactly he was picked up,” Adeyanju stated on X (formerly Twitter).
#FreeVDM Trends Online
While the protests raged offline, the hashtag #FreeVDM has taken over Nigerian social media, trending on X and Instagram with thousands of Nigerians expressing outrage over the arrest. Some celebrities and activists have also lent their voices to the cause, demanding transparency and due process.
What Happens Next?
As pressure mounts, the EFCC is yet to issue an official statement regarding VDM’s arrest. Protesters have vowed to continue their demonstrations until he is either released or given a public explanation of his alleged offense.
GTBank, meanwhile, has continued to loose customers , and face scrutiny from the public—even as it insists it played no role in the arrest.
Stay with GoldenNewsNg for updates on this developing story.
