Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), was detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on Friday, May 2, 2025, following a confrontation at a Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) branch in Abuja. The incident has ignited widespread public concern and criticism over the circumstances of his arrest.
According to his legal representative, Deji Adeyanju, VDM visited the GTBank branch in Garki, Area 3, Abuja, with his mother, Mrs. Blessing Otse, and his associate, Steven Avuara (also known as C-Pack), to inquire about unauthorized deductions from his mother’s account. Upon attempting to exit the bank, VDM and his companions were reportedly locked inside the bank’s security door for over five minutes, facilitating their arrest by EFCC operatives .
Eyewitness accounts and statements from Adeyanju allege that the EFCC officers, dressed in black uniforms, accosted VDM and his associate at gunpoint, subjected them to physical assault, and blindfolded them before transporting them to the EFCC headquarters in Jabi, Abuja. Notably, Mrs. Otse’s whereabouts remain unknown, raising further alarm among supporters and human rights advocates .
Despite repeated inquiries, the EFCC has not provided a clear explanation for VDM’s detention. When contacted, EFCC spokesperson Dele Oyewale stated, “We have some petitions against him that we are working on. He has some issues with us,” but declined to confirm the arrest or disclose the nature of the allegations .
VDM’s legal team has expressed deep concern over the treatment of their client and the lack of transparency surrounding his detention. They have announced plans to pursue legal action against GTBank for its alleged role in facilitating the arrest and against the EFCC for the reported human rights violations during the apprehension.
The incident has sparked a wave of reactions on social media, with many Nigerians expressing outrage over the perceived abuse of power and the targeting of individuals who speak out against institutional misconduct. Hashtags such as #FreeVeryDarkMan and #JusticeForVDM have been trending, reflecting the public’s demand for accountability and transparency.
As the situation unfolds, human rights organizations and legal experts are closely monitoring the case, emphasizing the need for due process and the protection of citizens’ rights in the face of alleged institutional overreach.
