On Monday, May 5, 2025, a group of Nigerian youths gathered at the Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) branch in Area 3, Abuja, to protest the arrest of popular social activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM). The protestors condemned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission’s (EFCC) detention of VDM, which took place at the same bank branch.
The demonstrators accused GTBank of orchestrating the arrest following VDM’s public complaints about unauthorized debits from his mother’s bank account. VDM had earlier visited the branch with his mother to seek explanations for repeated loan repayments debited without consent. His arrest sparked outrage on social media, with many Nigerians demanding his immediate release.
Videos and photos from the protest show youths chanting slogans against the bank and the EFCC, calling for justice and transparency. Supporters of VDM have also organized online campaigns, while some notable figures, including activist Deji Adeyanju, have criticized the manner of the arrest.
The EFCC confirmed VDM’s arrest, stating it was based on multiple complaints from petitioners unrelated solely to GTBank. They assured the public that VDM would be released upon meeting bail conditions and that the case would proceed through the courts.
As of now, GTBank has not issued an official statement regarding the incident or the protest.
Sources: yabaleftonline, BBC Pidgin, TVC News, Sahara Reporters, AIT Live, Instagram, Twitter