On May 3rd, 2025, a man was reportedly arrested alongside popular Nigerian activist Martins Vincent Otse, better known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), at a Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) branch in Abuja. The man recounted his distressing experience with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), raising concerns about the agency’s conduct and GT Bank’s alleged involvement.
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The arrest occurred shortly after VeryDarkMan visited GT Bank to address unauthorized debits from his mother’s account, which he had publicly criticized. According to a Tribune Online report dated May 2nd, 2025, VDM had posted on IG about the issue, stating, “Myself and my mom just arrived GT-BANK to get an explanation for the constant debit from her account… in this year alone there have been more than 7 debits on loan repayments.” While at the bank, both VDM and the man accompanying him were apprehended by EFCC operatives.
Read also: Nigeria Police Condemn Blogger VeryDarkMan for Unauthorized Use of Police Uniform in Viral Video
In the video, the man described his arrest as sudden and traumatic. He was detained alongside VDM, who, was reportedly “ambushed by EFCC operatives right inside GTBank premises.” The man’s account aligns with reports from VDM’s lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, who stated that VDM was locked inside the GTB exit door for over five minutes to facilitate the arrest. Adeyanju also noted that VDM refused to leave his cell to meet anyone while in EFCC custody, indicating the severity of the situation.
The man’s recounting of his experience highlighted what many have called “inhumane treatment” by the EFCC. This incident has added fuel to ongoing criticisms of the agency, with some Nigerians, including public figures like Bobrisky, previously slamming the EFCC for alleged misconduct.
Read also: Nigeria Police Condemn Blogger VeryDarkMan for Unauthorized Use of Police Uniform in Viral Video
VeryDarkMan, a vocal social media activist, has been a frequent critic of institutions he believes are acting unjustly. Just days before this incident, on April 29th, 2025, Tori.ng reported that VDM had lambasted the EFCC for their “double standards” in arresting businessman E-Money for alleged Naira abuse while ignoring similar actions by others.
His arrest at GT Bank appears to be a continuation of his contentious relationship with both the EFCC and the bank, especially after his public criticism of GTB’s handling of his mother’s account. Deji Adeyanju, VDM’s lawyer, has vowed to take legal action against GT Bank for the “inhumane treatment” of his client. In a statement, Adeyanju said, “We will be taking legal actions against GTB for the inhumane treatment meted out to our client. We will issue a public statement soon.”
