Deji Adeyanju To Sue GTBank For Inhumane Treatment After VeryDarkMan’s Arrest By EFCC

Nigerian activist Martins Vincent Otse, better known as VeryDarkMan, has been detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) after his arrest at a Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) in Abuja.

KanyiDaily had reported how VeryDarkMan was arrested on Friday, May 2, following his public criticism of GTBank over alleged unauthorised transactions on his mother’s account.

His arrest has triggered widespread criticism online, with many accusing the bank of playing a role in what they see as a targeted effort to silence outspoken people.

Taking to his X page, Deji Adeyanju, a human rights lawyer representing VeryDarkMan, confirmed that the arrest took place right inside the bank.

He claimed that the activist was locked up at the bank’s security exit door for several minutes, which gave EFCC operatives enough time to move in and detain him.

“VDM was locked inside the GTB exit door for over 5 mins to enable EFCC arrest him and his friend,” Adeyanju said.

The lawyer condemned the incident, calling it inhumane, and revealed plans to take legal action against G Bank.

“We will be taking legal actions against GTB for the inhumane treatment meted out to our client. We will issue a public statement soon.”

Adeyanju confirmed that his legal team, led by lawyer Marvin Omorogbe, had already traced the activist’s whereabouts and made contact with him.

“Our lawyers led by the Head of our firm @Marvin\_Omorogbe just met VDM’s friend who was arrested together with him in EFCC custody. VDM refused to come out of the cell; that he won’t see anyone,” Adeyanju said.

“We have located VDM and [are] working on getting him out. Our lawyers are now with him,” Adeyanju added.

Although the exact reason behind the arrest hasn’t been made public yet, critics are calling it another example of how state agencies are being used to silence voices critical of those in power.

VeryDarkMan is known for speaking out against the Nigerian elite and has built a following by challenging social and political issues online.

His arrest is now being seen as part of a growing trend where institutions are allegedly used to suppress dissent and stifle free speech.

This comes a few days after VeryDarkMan slammed the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for demanding an apology from him.