By By: Alphanso G. Kalama;
Abuja, Nigeria – Public outrage continues to mount over the controversial arrest of popular social media activist Martin Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), as citizens prepare to stage a protest on was arrested.
VDM and his associate StevenMonday, May 5, outside the Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) branch in Wuse 2, Abuja—the site where VDM ‘C-Pack’ Avuara were reportedly apprehended by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Friday shortly after exiting the Wuse 2 GTBank branch. According to his legal team, the duo had visited the bank to inquire about unexplained debits from VDM’s mother’s account before being detained.
Human rights lawyer and political activist Deji Adeyanju, who represents VDM, has condemned the EFCC’s handling of the arrest, alleging that both men were treated inhumanely and denied access to legal representation and clear information about the charges against them.
“VDM was locked inside the GTBank exit door for over five minutes to enable EFCC to arrest him and his friend. We will be taking legal action against GTBank for this inhumane treatment,” Adeyanju wrote on social media.
His firm further revealed that EFCC officers have refused to disclose the nature of the allegations, though a vague mention of “cyberstalking” has been attributed to a warrant allegedly issued by a Wuse Zone 2 magistrate.
The EFCC has yet to release an official statement.
Calls for VDM’s release have since gone viral, drawing support from prominent Nigerians including Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate of collaborating to violate the rights of a citizen with a history of speaking out against corruption and abuse.
Peter Obi, singer Davido, activist Seun Kuti, veteran artist Eedris Abdulkareem, and actress Rita Edochie. Many accused both the EFCC and GTBank
Obi called the arrest “resembling an abduction,” criticizing the lack of due process, while Davido urged Nigerians to “do more for the masses.” Seun Kuti suggested during an Instagram Live that the arrest was orchestrated by a gospel singer, alleging religious interference in state actions.
The protest scheduled for Monday is being coordinated by supporters and civil society groups who say they are demanding the unconditional release of VDM and accountability from both the EFCC and GTBank.
“We’re calling on all well-meaning Nigerians to show up at GTBank Wuse 2 in Abuja by 10 AM. This is a peaceful protest against injustice and abuse of power,” one organizer wrote on social media.
As tensions rise, observers warn that continued silence from GTBank and the EFCC may fuel further unrest and reputational damage. At the time of this report, neither institution had issued a formal response, and efforts to reach EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale remain unsuccessful points.net.ua.
Credit: Niger Star
