Popular Nigerian social media influencer Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), was taken into custody on Friday, May 2, 2025, while visiting a Guaranty Trust Bank branch in Abuja. His attorney, Deji Adeyanju has confirmed the arrest, which occurred as VDM accompanied his mother to resolve unauthorized account deductions.
What began as a standard customer service complaint quickly escalated into a detention that has sparked outrage across social media platforms. According to sources close to the situation, EFCC operatives were already positioned outside the bank prior to his arrival.
Adeyanju explained via social media that VDM had visited the bank specifically to address illegal debits from his mother’s account when authorities apprehended him. The lawyer further revealed that bank security detained VDM at the exit for several minutes while EFCC agents prepared to take him into custody.
Refusal to Meet with Legal Team Raises Concerns
Since his detention began, VDM has reportedly declined all visitors, including his legal representatives. Adeyanju expressed worry about his client’s emotional state, noting that the experience has deeply troubled VDM to the point where he refuses to see anyone, even his own lawyer.
The controversial content creator has built a substantial following through his outspoken commentary on Nigerian politics, corruption allegations, and social issues. His direct approach to calling out public figures has earned him both devoted supporters and powerful critics.
Arrest Procedure Raises Legal Questions
Neither the Nigerian Police Force nor the EFCC has released formal statements explaining the grounds for VDM’s detention or whether charges have been filed against him. This lack of transparency has fueled speculation about potential abuse of power.
Legal observers have pointed out irregularities in how the arrest was conducted. If VDM’s detention stems from a banking dispute involving his mother’s account, the EFCC’s involvement appears unusual unless evidence links him directly to financial crimes.
A prominent Abuja-based legal analyst, speaking on condition of anonymity, expressed concern over the case, emphasizing the need for transparency rather than intimidation tactics in such situations.
Public Rallies Behind Detained Influencer
Support for VDM has surged online since news of his arrest broke. Hashtags including #FreeVDM and #JusticeForVDM have gained significant traction on social platforms, particularly on Twitter (X), where fans and fellow content creators demand his immediate release.
The incident occurs amid growing public skepticism toward both financial institutions and law enforcement agencies in Nigeria. Many citizens view the case as part of a troubling pattern of using security forces to silence outspoken critics.
A popular Nigerian rights advocate commented on social media about the troubling implications when someone attempting to help their mother resolve banking issues ends up facing arrest, suggesting this raises serious questions about the country’s institutions.
Banking Dispute Details Remain Unclear
The specific nature of the unauthorized deductions from VDM’s mother’s account remains undisclosed. Banking experts note that customer complaints about unexpected charges have increased across Nigerian financial institutions in recent months.
Industry analysts suggest that proper resolution channels exist for such disputes without requiring police involvement. The dramatic escalation in this case has therefore puzzled many observers familiar with standard banking protocols.
