Popular Nigerian social media personality Martins Vincent Otse, known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), was arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at a Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) branch in Abuja. The arrest occurred while VDM was inside the bank with his mother, who had gone to report unauthorized transactions from her account.
VDM’s lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, said his client was “ambushed” by EFCC operatives inside the GTBank premises. Adeyanju alleged that VDM was locked inside the bank’s exit door for over five minutes to facilitate the arrest. The lawyer condemned the treatment meted out to VDM, describing it as “inhumane,” and announced plans to take legal action against GTBank.
VDM and his mother had visited GTBank to protest alleged illegal deductions from her account for a loan she never took. While bank staff were still reviewing their complaint, EFCC operatives arrived and arrested VDM. His brother recounted the emotional moment their mother broke down in tears upon learning of the arrest, questioning the basis for her son’s detention.
VDM is currently in EFCC custody and has refused to see anyone, including his lawyers. His lawyer confirmed they are working to secure VDM’s release. The FCT Police Command claims to be unaware of the arrest, despite VDM’s lawyer stating that police officers were involved.
