VDM Arrested by EFCC After Criticizing GTBank Over Fraud Allegations

In a dramatic turn of events, Nigerian social media influencer and activist Martins Vincent Otse, known online as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has been arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) following his public criticism of GTBank over alleged fraudulent activity on his mother’s bank account.

On May 2, 2025, VDM visited a GTBank branch to inquire about suspicious withdrawals from his mother’s account. According to his lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, VDM was ambushed inside the bank by EFCC operatives after being trapped in the exit door for several minutes. The arrest has raised serious concerns regarding freedom of speech and consumer rights in Nigeria.

“He was detained for speaking up about what he believes was a fraud,” said Adeyanju. The activist’s arrest has sparked widespread outrage across social media platforms, with the hashtag #FreeVDM trending nationwide.

The arrest has ignited calls for a boycott of GTBank, with many Nigerians expressing their disapproval of the bank’s involvement in the incident. Critics argue that VDM was targeted for exercising his right to question a financial institution about potentially fraudulent activity.

“This is an attack on free speech and consumers’ rights,” said one Twitter user. Another commented, “We can’t let banks silence people who hold them accountable. #FreeVDM.”

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In response to the arrest, VDM’s lawyer has vowed to take legal action against both GTBank and the EFCC, alleging that VDM was subjected to inhumane treatment during the arrest.

“We will not stand for this violation of rights,” Adeyanju stated. “This is an attempt to stifle free expression, and we will fight it in court.”

As of now, VDM remains in custody, with the EFCC yet to provide an official statement regarding the charges against him. The incident has sparked a larger conversation about the intersection of social media activism, banking practices, and the rights of Nigerian citizens.

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Nigerians continue to follow the case closely, as the public demands answers and VDM’s release. The story is far from over, and with public support growing, many believe this could become a defining moment in the fight for digital rights and consumer protection in the country.