The hashtags #FreeVDM and #BoycottGTBank have taken over social media as Nigerians rally behind Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), following his controversial arrest by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
What Happened?
VDM, a well-known social media activist, was reportedly detained on May 2, 2025, shortly after visiting a Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) branch to inquire about unauthorized loan deductions from his mother’s account—loans she allegedly never applied for.
According to his legal counsel, Deji Adeyanju, the arrest was orchestrated in collaboration with GTBank. Adeyanju claims that VDM was locked inside the bank’s exit door for over five minutes, allowing EFCC officers to apprehend him and his friend.
Public Outrage & Calls for Boycott
The arrest has sparked widespread outrage, with critics calling it an abuse of power and an attempt to silence a vocal activist. The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun State Council, has urged members to close all GTBank accounts in protest, while the Guild of Digital Journalists (GDJ) has issued a national boycott call against the bank.
Social media is flooded with demands for VDM’s release, with hashtags like #FreeVDM and #BoycottGTBank trending across platforms.
What’s Next?
As of May 5, 2025, VDM remains in EFCC custody, with legal proceedings expected in the coming days. His lawyers have vowed to take legal action against GTBank and are preparing a formal lawsuit. Meanwhile, GTBank has yet to issue an official statement addressing the allegations.
