VeryDarkMan Arrested in Abuja: What Happened at GTBank?

VeryDarkMan Arrested. On May 2, 2025, Nigerian social media influencer Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), was arrested by the Nigerian Police Force in Abuja. The arrest, which took place at a Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) branch in Area 3, has sparked widespread discussion online, raising questions about freedom of expression and accountability in Nigeria’s banking sector.

Startsmart Nigeria reports that VDM’s arrest followed his public criticism of GTBank over alleged unauthorized transactions from his mother’s bank account. Here’s a detailed look at the incident, its implications, and what it means for Nigerians seeking justice.

The Incident: Unauthorized Debits and a Demand for Answers

VeryDarkMan, known for his outspoken social media commentary, took to his platform to highlight suspicious debits from his mother’s GTBank account.

In a post that gained significant traction, he detailed how the bank had allegedly deducted funds multiple times in 2025 for “loan repayments” his mother never authorized. According to VDM, over seven such debits occurred this year alone, prompting him and his mother to visit a GTBank branch in Abuja to demand clarity and obtain her bank statement.

VeryDarkMan Arrested. “My mom and 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,” VDM wrote. “We have requested her bank statements so we know when the debiting started. So far, in this year alone, there have been more than seven debits on loan repayments. GTBank staff are cooperating—hopefully, we’ll know why they keep doing this.”

VeryDarkMan Arrested. This public call for transparency, however, led to an unexpected outcome: VDM’s arrest at the bank premises.

VeryDarkMan Arrested; The Arrest: Details from Barrister Deji Adeyanju

VDM’s lawyer, Barrister Deji Adeyanju, confirmed the arrest on May 2, 2025, via posts on 𝕏, expressing outrage at the development. “JUST IN: VDM arrested by the police at GTB. Spoke to them before he was arrested. This is absolutely unacceptable. Demanding accountability is not a crime,” Adeyanju stated. He later provided further details, noting that VDM was apprehended alongside his friend, C Park, while his mother was not detained.

“They arrested VDM at GTB. He was arrested with his friend C Park, but they left his mom alone,” Adeyanju added.

VeryDarkMan Arrested. Startsmart Nigeria notes that the Nigerian Police Force has not issued an official statement clarifying the reasons for the arrest, leaving room for speculation. Some sources suggest GTBank may have prompted the police action in response to VDM’s public criticism, though this remains unconfirmed. The lack of transparency from both the bank and the police has fueled public frustration, with many questioning whether VDM’s arrest was an attempt to silence his advocacy.

Public Reaction and Broader Implications

The arrest of VeryDarkMan has ignited a firestorm on social media, with hashtags like #FreeVDM trending on 𝕏. Supporters argue that VDM was exercising his right to demand accountability from a financial institution, a sentiment echoed by Adeyanju’s statement: “Demanding accountability is not a crime.” Critics of the arrest point to a troubling pattern in Nigeria, where individuals who challenge powerful institutions face repercussions, raising concerns about freedom of speech and consumer rights.

This incident also highlights ongoing issues in Nigeria’s banking sector, where unauthorized transactions and poor customer service are frequent complaints. According to a 2023 report by the Central Bank of Nigeria, over 70% of banking disputes involve unauthorized debits or fraudulent transactions. VDM’s case underscores the need for stronger consumer protections and transparent banking practices.

What’s Next for VeryDarkMan?

VeryDarkMan Arrested. As of now, VDM remains in custody, and his legal team, led by Adeyanju, is working to secure his release. The absence of an official statement from GTBank or the Nigerian Police Force leaves many questions unanswered. Was VDM’s arrest a justified response to his actions, or an overreach by authorities? Could this case set a precedent for how banks and law enforcement handle public criticism?

For Nigerians, this incident serves as a reminder to stay vigilant about their financial accounts and demand accountability when issues arise. If you suspect unauthorized transactions, experts recommend:

• Immediately contacting your bank and requesting a detailed statement.
• Filing a formal complaint with the Central Bank of Nigeria if the issue persists.
• Documenting all interactions with the bank for potential legal action.

Conclusion

The arrest of VeryDarkMan at a GTBank branch in Abuja has sparked a critical conversation about accountability, consumer rights, and freedom of expression in Nigeria. As the situation unfolds, Startsmart Nigeria will continue to monitor developments and provide updates. For now, VDM’s case is a stark reminder that speaking truth to power can come at a cost—but it’s a cost many Nigerians are willing to pay for justice.

Credit.; NaijaNews