Popular social activist and digital commentator, Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has been reportedly arrested by police in Abuja following his public criticism of Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) over alleged unauthorised withdrawals from his mother’s account.
EpeInsights reports that his legal counsel, human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju, said the arrest took place at the GTBank headquarters in Abuja, where VDM was said to have gone to address a separate matter.
Adeyanju described the incident as a “clear violation of civil liberties,” asserting that no legal justification was presented for the arrest.
“He simply asked questions and demanded transparency from a bank. That is not a crime,” said Adeyanju in a Facebook statement.
“This kind of state-backed intimidation is unacceptable in a democratic society.”
The arrest has sparked public concern over the shrinking space for dissent and the rising tension between digital influencers and institutions they critique.
VDM, known for his outspoken views on societal issues, had earlier raised alarm about suspicious activities on his mother’s bank account via his social media channels, a move that apparently drew the ire of authorities.
While the police have not issued an official statement as of press time, observers note that this is not the first time VDM has faced backlash for his activism.
Adeyanju hinted that legal action may be taken against the Nigeria Police and GTBank if his client is not released immediately.
“Martins Vincent Otse has committed no offense. He was exercising a right guaranteed under our laws — the right to speak up and demand accountability.”
VDM’s arrest has fueled calls from civil society organisations and social media users demanding his immediate release and an explanation from both the bank and law enforcement agencies.
