#FreeVDM: Protesters Storm GTBank in Abuja, Demand Release of VeryDarkMan
A crowd of protesters gathered at the Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) headquarters in Abuja on Monday, calling for the immediate release of social media influencer Martins Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM).
Chanting “#FreeVDM” and holding placards with messages like “Activism is not a sin,” “VDM is the masses’ liberator,” and “VDM has committed no offence,” demonstrators demanded justice and transparency in the case.
VeryDarkMan was recently arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over allegations of cyberstalking—an action that has sparked widespread backlash online. Critics have accused GTBank of playing a role in the arrest, calling it part of a broader campaign to silence dissenting voices.
His lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, claimed that EFCC operatives apprehended VDM inside the bank. However, GTBank denied the allegation and released CCTV footage showing the influencer exiting the banking hall and walking towards the car park shortly before the arrest. The footage did not capture the moment of his arrest, as the cameras reportedly do not cover that section of the premises.
VeryDarkMan’s legal troubles began in May 2024 when he was arraigned at the Federal High Court in Abuja on five counts of cyberstalking. The charges related to alleged online harassment of the Nigeria Police Force and Nollywood actresses Iyabo Ojo and Tonto Dikeh. He pleaded not guilty and was held in custody pending a bail hearing.
In a separate case in November 2024, he was charged with impersonation before an Abuja Chief Magistrate’s Court. Prosecutors alleged that he unlawfully wore a police uniform and falsely presented himself as an officer. He again pleaded not guilty and was granted bail set at ₦2 million.
