The Economy 
…EFCC to arraign VDM in court asap
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has confirmed that it arrested popular social media personality, Martins Vincent Otse, better known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), following multiple petitions filed against him.
The Nigerian Economy learnt that VDM was interrogated on Monday at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja. Sources said the session, which began around 2:30 p.m., was attended by his legal representatives, Deji Adeyanju and Marvin Omorogbe.
EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, speaking to BBC News Pidgin, said the agency detained VDM in response to a series of allegations from different individuals.
“We arrested him to respond to a series of allegations raised by some petitioners,” Oyewale said.
When asked whether Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) was among the petitioners, Oyewale clarified that the complaints came from multiple sources and that the agency had a responsibility to protect petitioners’ identities.
He added that the EFCC plans to arraign VDM and would release him once he meets the set bail conditions.
Meanwhile, VDM’s lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, stated on Friday that the arrest occurred following his client’s visit to a GTBank branch in Abuja. He claimed that VDM was deliberately trapped inside the bank’s security door for over five minutes to enable EFCC operatives to detain him.
“VDM was locked inside the GTB exit door for over five minutes to enable EFCC arrest him and his friend,” Adeyanju said. He further disclosed plans to take legal action against GTBank for what he described as inhumane treatment.
In response, the Take It Back (TIB) Movement has called for VDM’s immediate and unconditional release. The group revealed that he was arrested on Thursday, May 2, 2025, shortly after visiting the GTBank branch in Area 3, Garki, Abuja, with his mother and an associate to resolve issues concerning unauthorized deductions from his mother’s account.
The arrest, captured on CCTV and now circulating widely online, has drawn significant public backlash. Many critics believe it was a targeted effort to silence a vocal advocate against injustice and corruption.
Adding to the controversy, TIB reported that VDM’s mother, who witnessed the arrest, has since gone missing, with her whereabouts currently unknown.
On Monday, a group of youths staged a protest at the GTBank branch in Abuja, waving the Nigerian flag and carrying placards demanding justice and transparency.
