Protesters gathered at the Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) headquarters in Abuja on Monday, demanding the release of social media influencer Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM).

Chanting “#FreeVDM” and carrying placards with messages like “Activism is not a sin” and “VDM has committed no offence,” the demonstrators condemned what they called a targeted crackdown on the outspoken activist.

VDM was recently arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on allegations of cyberstalking. His lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, claimed he was ambushed by EFCC operatives inside GTBank, a claim the bank denied.

GTBank released CCTV footage showing VDM leaving its banking hall before his arrest, though the actual arrest—allegedly outside the premises—was not captured on camera.

VDM has faced multiple legal battles, including a 2024 cyberstalking case and separate charges of impersonation. He pleaded not guilty in both instances and was granted bail in the latter.