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VeryDarkMan Arrested at GTBank Over Unauthorized Deductions Dispute
Popular Nigerian social media influencer and activist Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), was reportedly arrested by police at a Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) branch in Area 3, Abuja, on Friday. The arrest followed his public confrontation with the bank over alleged unauthorized deductions from his mother’s account, which were labeled as repayments for a loan she claims she never took. The incident has sparked widespread discussion online, with #VeryDarkMan trending across social media platforms in Nigeria.
According to posts shared by VeryDarkMan on Instagram and Facebook prior to his arrest, he and his mother visited the GTBank branch to demand an explanation for multiple unexplained debits from her account in 2025. Screenshots he shared online showed over seven transactions, ranging from N230.88 to N19,379.56, each marked as “Loan Repayment.” In a video, VDM stated, “If GTBank can do this to my mother, then they are doing it to a lot of Nigerians. How can you say someone used my mother’s NIN to collect a loan? Where is your customer security?” He further alleged that the bank claimed an unknown individual had used his mother’s National Identification Number (NIN) to secure the loan, raising concerns about the bank’s data protection measures.
Watch His Video Here
VeryDarkMan’s lawyer, Barrister Deji Adeyanju, confirmed the arrest, describing it as “absolutely unacceptable” in a post on X. Adeyanju stated, “VDM was arrested by the police at GTB. Spoke to them before he was arrested. Demanding accountability is not a crime.” He added that VDM was apprehended alongside a friend, identified as C Park, while his mother, who accompanied them, was not detained. Sources indicate that the arrest occurred shortly after VDM requested a detailed account statement to trace the origin of the deductions, though GTBank staff were reportedly cooperative during the visit.
The incident has ignited public outrage, with many Nigerians questioning the bank’s practices and the police’s response. Posts on X reflect growing frustration, with users like @JerryDaddy65668 stating, “I tire for this country. Someone came to complain, and instead of investigating, they are ordering his arrest.” Others, including @NaijaTrend_1 and @GistLovers, amplified the news, sharing images and videos of VDM at the bank, further fueling the online debate. Some netizens have speculated about deeper systemic issues, with @SaharaReporters suggesting that GTBank ordered the arrest to suppress VDM’s public criticism.
This is not the first time GTBank has faced scrutiny over unauthorized transactions. In April 2025, customer Ariyo Ahmed Adewale and four activists were arrested during a protest at a GTBank branch in Kosofe, Lagos, over the alleged disappearance of N2.3 million from his account. The bank has yet to issue an official statement regarding VDM’s allegations or his arrest, and the Nigerian Police Force has not provided details on the charges or the status of the investigation.
VeryDarkMan, known for his outspoken activism on social issues, has previously clashed with authorities and institutions, including the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), over allegations of selective enforcement. His arrest has raised concerns about freedom of expression and the treatment of citizens seeking accountability from powerful institutions.
As the story develops, Nigerians are watching closely, with many calling for transparency from GTBank and justice for VDM. The hashtag #FreeVDM is gaining traction, and supporters are urging the public to demand answers. For now, the influencer remains in custody, and his mother’s account issues remain unresolved.
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