Nigerian Social Media Critic VeryDarkMan Arrested by EFCC in Bank-Assisted Operation
Controversial social media personality Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as “VeryDarkMan” (VDM), was arrested yesterday by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in a operation that allegedly involved cooperation from Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB).
Controversial activist and social media critic Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), was reportedly apprehended by EFCC operatives inside a Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) branch in Area 3, Abuja, in what witnesses describe as a coordinated operation between bank staff and law enforcement.
Earlier reports indicate that Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) may have instigated VeryDarkMan’s (VDM)arrest by the EFCC, following his public accusations against the financial institution. The controversy stems from unauthorized transactions allegedly made from his mother’s account, which VDM aggressively criticized on social media in recent weeks.
The arrest of social media activist VeryDarkMan (VDM) has ignited fierce backlash from his supporters, who allege his detention is a targeted suppression effort by Nigeria’s political and financial elite. Critics point to his recent high-profile investigations into corruption as the true motive behind the EFCC’s action.
Background on VeryDarkMan
Martins Vincent Otse, known online as VeryDarkMan (VDM), rose from obscurity to become one of Nigeria’s most feared social media critics through his uncompromising exposés on corruption, celebrity hypocrisy, and political graft. His arrest culminates a high-stakes showdown with powerful figures who grew increasingly threatened by his influence.
Legal & Ethical Questions
The reported collaboration between Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) and the EFCC in VeryDarkMan’s (VDM) arrest has ignited a firestorm over customer privacy rights, with experts warning it could establish a chilling precedent for bank-facilitated state surveillance in Nigeria.
How GTB’s Actions May Violate Privacy Laws
- Legal Violations
- Nigeria Data Protection Act (2023): Requires banks to obtain court orders before sharing customer data, except for proven terrorism/fraud cases. VDM was not a declared suspect at arrest time.
- CBN Guidelines: Prohibit banks from arbitrarily restricting accounts without 48-hour customer notification (VDM received none).
- The Disturbing Precedent
If confirmed, GTB’s alleged actions suggest:- Banks as Surveillance Tools: Financial institutions could become de facto law enforcement informants without due process.
- Targeted Harassment: Critics fear accounts of activists, journalists, or opposition figures may face sudden freezes or monitoring.
- Global Ramifications: Nigeria risks joining China/Russia-tier financial surveillance states where banks silence dissent.
This case could redefine financial privacy in Africa’s largest economy. If banks can weaponize transaction data against critics, Nigeria’s fight against corruption loses its most effective watchdogs—the public.
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