Protest Erupts at GTBank HQ Over Arrest of Activist VeryDarkMan

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Protesters on Monday stormed the headquarters of Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) in Abuja, demanding the immediate release of popular social media activist Martins Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM).

Chanting slogans and waving placards with inscriptions like “#FreeVDM,” “Activism is not a sin,” and “VDM is the masses’ liberator,” the demonstrators accused authorities of persecuting the activist for his outspoken views. Some protesters were seen chanting “FreeVDM” from moving vehicles across the streets of Abuja.

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VDM was recently arrested by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over alleged cyberstalking. The arrest has sparked widespread outrage online, with many alleging a politically motivated effort to silence dissenting voices.

His lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, claimed the activist was ambushed and arrested by EFCC operatives inside GTBank premises, raising questions about the bank’s possible role in the incident.


GTBank has since denied any involvement, releasing CCTV footage and stating that VDM was not arrested on its premises. The bank also called for a transparent investigation.

The incident has drawn condemnation from human rights groups and social media users, reigniting debates about freedom of speech and civil liberties in Nigeria.


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