A wave of protests and online activism has erupted across Nigeria following the dramatic arrest of social media influencer and activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), on May 3, 2025. The controversy, which unfolded at the premises of Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) in Abuja, has ignited a firestorm on social media, with the hashtag #FreeVDM trending as Nigerians rally for his release.
The Arrest That Shook the Nation
VeryDarkMan, a polarizing figure known for his outspoken criticism of societal issues, was arrested after publicly calling out GTBank over alleged unauthorized transactions from his mother’s account. According to reports from The Eagle Online, VDM had visited a GTBank branch in Abuja alongside his mother to demand clarity on the constant debits, which he claimed were tied to a loan she never took. In a now-viral post, he stated, “Myself and my mom just arrived at GTBank to get an explanation for the constant debit from her account by GTBank in the name of loan repayments that she never took.”
However, the situation escalated quickly. VDM’s lawyer, activist Deji Adeyanju, confirmed that the Nigerian Police Force apprehended him at GTBank’s Area 3 branch. Adeyanju took to X to condemn the arrest, writing, “JUST IN: VDM arrested by the police at GTB. Spoke to him before he was arrested. This is absolutely unacceptable. Demanding accountability is not a crime.” Further reports from Punch Nigeria allege that VDM was ambushed by EFCC operatives inside the bank, intensifying public outrage.
A Movement Gains Momentum
The arrest sparked an immediate backlash, with supporters flooding the streets and social media to demand VDM’s release. On May 5, 2025, protesters stormed GTBank’s headquarters in Abuja, holding placards with messages like “Activism is not a sin,” “VDM is the masses’ liberator,” and “VDM has committed no offence,” according to Punch Nigeria. Chanting “#FreeVDM,” the demonstrators called for justice, highlighting VDM’s role as a voice for the voiceless.
On X, a post by user
@Fmajorzone
captured the sentiment of many supporters. Accompanied by powerful images of VDM surrounded by children—showcasing his philanthropy—and a poignant scene of him kneeling before a young boy, the post read: “You may not like him, but the good he has done is better than that 1 bad thing he said which made you hate him. If you stand with VeryDarkman, Like and Repost till he is released. VeryDarkMan must be released #freevdm.” The images underscored VDM’s humanitarian efforts, including his NGO’s mission to improve education for public school children, which previously received a N100 million donation from music mogul Don Jazzy in October 2024, as reported by Information Nigeria.GTBank Responds Amid Growing Tensions
As the #FreeVDM movement gained traction, GTBank found itself at the center of a public relations crisis. In response to the protests, the bank released CCTV footage of VDM’s arrest, a move that only fueled further controversy. According to Daily Post Nigeria, the footage did little to quell the anger of VDM’s supporters, who accused the bank of attempting to silence a whistleblower.
The clash between VDM and GTBank has exposed deeper issues about digital influence and institutional accountability in Nigeria. A Tekedia analysis described the situation as a “digital firestorm,” noting how a single tweet from VDM ignited a national conversation. The outlet highlighted the power of social media in shaping narratives, stating, “In a world where stories go viral in seconds, a single tweet can ignite a national conversation.”
Divided Opinions: A Nation at Odds
While many Nigerians have rallied behind VDM, opinions remain divided. Some, like X user
@mogulanxi
, questioned whether VDM should face justice if he committed a crime: “If he has committed a crime, he needs to carry his cross.” Others, such as @Odion0410
, defended him staunchly, writing, “If you don’t like him… then you are the problem.”The controversy has also drawn attention to VDM’s past activism, including his efforts to combat fraudulent banking practices. An image shared by
@beckygold848911
on X detailed how VDM exposed GTBank’s alleged debits on his mother’s account, urging Nigerians to “Move your money out of GTBank” and warning of limited transfer cards within 24 hours.What’s Next for VeryDarkMan?
As protests continue and the #FreeVDM hashtag dominates social media, the fate of VeryDarkMan remains uncertain. His arrest has not only highlighted the tensions between individual activists and powerful institutions but also underscored the growing influence of digital platforms in shaping public discourse.
For now, VDM’s supporters remain steadfast, with many echoing
@Fmajorzone
’s call to action: “VeryDarkMan must be released.” Whether this movement will lead to his freedom or further escalate the conflict with GTBank, one thing is clear—Nigeria is watching, and the voice of the people will not be silenced easily.Stay tuned for updates on this developing story. Share your thoughts on #FreeVDM in the comments below!
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