Abuja, May 4, 2025 Nigerian social media activist and influencer, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, was arrested on Friday, May 2, 2025, by individuals suspected to be operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) shortly after visiting a Guarantee Trust Bank (GTB) branch in Abuja. The incident has sparked controversy and public debate over the legality and identity of the arresting officers.
According to eyewitnesses, VeryDarkMan had gone to the GTB branch to lodge a formal complaint regarding unauthorized deductions from his mother’s bank account. Shortly after concluding his discussion with bank officials, he was approached by a group of masked men in plain clothes within the bank premises. The men reportedly identified themselves as law enforcement agents before forcefully escorting him out of the bank and into an unmarked vehicle.
In the immediate aftermath, speculation arose about whether the operatives were from the EFCC or the Department of State Services (DSS), as neither agency initially confirmed involvement. The masked nature of the arresting team further fueled confusion and public concern over procedural irregularities.
GTB responded to growing inquiries by releasing CCTV footage from the incident. The video shows VeryDarkMan exiting the bank’s customer service section before being intercepted by the masked men. The footage, which quickly circulated on social media, depicts him appearing visibly surprised but cooperative as he was led away.
Sources close to the activist’s legal team allege that the arrest is linked to fresh allegations of cyberstalking, although no formal charges have been publicly announced as of press time. His lawyers have condemned the arrest as an act of intimidation and have called for transparency from the relevant authorities.
“We are concerned about the circumstances of this arrest, especially the use of masked agents and lack of a clear warrant,” one of his lawyers stated. “We are demanding immediate access to our client and clarity on the agency responsible.”
The EFCC has yet to issue an official statement regarding the arrest. Meanwhile, DSS spokesperson Peter Afunanya denied that the agency was involved, deepening uncertainty over which body sanctioned the operation.
The incident has reignited debates over press freedom, digital rights, and due process in Nigeria, especially in cases involving outspoken online personalities. Human rights organizations and civil society groups have called for an independent investigation into the arrest.
As of Saturday morning, VeryDarkMan’s whereabouts remain officially undisclosed, although unconfirmed reports suggest he may be held at an undisclosed EFCC facility in Abuja.
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