Ola Akinwunmi
In a dramatic turn of events on Monday, the headquarters of Guaranty Trust Bank in Abuja became the epicenter of a fierce protest as demonstrators, united under the banner “#FreeVDM,” clashed with security forces demanding the immediate release of social media influencer Martins Otse – better known as VeryDarkMan.
Hundreds gathered outside the towering GTBank building, wielding banners and placards emblazoned with messages such as “Activism is not a sin,” “VDM is the masses’ liberator,” and “VDM has committed no offence.”
The fervor of the protest reveals a broader discontent among citizens who believe that the influencer’s arrest was not only unjust but indicative of a wider crackdown on dissent and digital expression in Nigeria.
The controversy ignited after VeryDarkMan was apprehended by authorities under the auspices of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) amid allegations of cyberstalking. His legal representative, noted activist-lawyer Deji Adeyanju, claimed that the influencer was ambushed by EFCC operatives within GTBank’s premises.
“The circumstances of Mr. Otse’s arrest raise serious questions about overreach and the suppression of legitimate digital activism,” Adeyanju asserted during an impassioned address to the media.
In response to these claims, GTBank released CCTV footage intended to refute allegations of operative misconduct on its property. The video, while capturing VeryDarkMan emerging from the bank’s interior and making his way toward the parking area, stops short of showing the moment of his arrest—a detail that protestors argue fuels further suspicion. The bank maintained that its premises were not the site of any unlawful detainment and called for a thorough, transparent investigation into the matter.
This is not the first time VeryDarkMan has found himself embroiled in legal controversies. In May 2024, he was arraigned at the Federal High Court in Abuja on five counts of cyberstalking, related to accusations of online harassment directed at the Nigeria Police Force and prominent Nollywood figures including actresses Iyabo Ojo and Tonto Dikeh. Despite pleading not guilty, he was remanded in custody pending his bail hearing.
His legal woes escalated in November 2024 when fresh charges of impersonation—allegations that he unlawfully presented himself as a police officer—were brought before an Abuja Chief Magistrate’s Court. Once again, he pleaded not guilty and was released on bail set at ₦2 million.
As tensions remain high, the scene outside GTBank’s headquarters reflects the broader national debate over the balance between security measures and civil liberties in the digital age. Observers note that the unfolding events could have far-reaching implications not only for VeryDarkMan’s legal battle but also for the future of online activism in Nigeria. With both sides steadfast in their narratives, the search for accountability and justice continues, drawing widespread attention from across the nation.
