Protesters have gathered at the Guaranty Trust Bank headquarters in Abuja to demand the release of social media influencer Martins Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan. The demonstrators are chanting “#FreeVDM” and holding placards with messages like “Activism is not a sin” and “VDM is the masses’ liberator.”
VeryDarkMan was recently arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over allegations of cyberstalking, sparking online outrage and questions about the bank’s alleged role in the arrest. His lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, claims he was ambushed by EFCC operatives inside the GTBank premises, while the bank denies this, releasing CCTV footage that shows VDM leaving the banking hall before his arrest.
The footage doesn’t capture the actual arrest, likely due to the security cameras not covering the area outside the bank. VeryDarkMan has previously faced charges of cyberstalking and impersonation, pleading not guilty and being granted bail. The protests highlight growing concerns about his detention and the circumstances surrounding his arrest.
