VeryDarkMan’s Detention at EFCC Headquarters: Allegations of Denied Food and Mistreatment Surface

Nigerian social media influencer and activist Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), was arrested and detained by operatives of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) at a Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) branch in Area 3, Garki, Abuja. The arrest followed VDM’s public criticism of GTBank, where he accused the bank of fraudulently using his mother’s National Identification Number (NIN) to approve a loan without her consent. Amidst the unfolding controversy, a claim attributed to KokoPee surfaced, alleging that VeryDarkMan was denied food by his friend and brother while in custody at the EFCC headquarters. This article examines the circumstances surrounding VDM’s detention, the allegations of mistreatment, and the specific claim regarding food denial, drawing on available information and public sentiment.

Background of the Arrest

VeryDarkMan, a polarizing figure known for his bold activism and critiques of societal issues, visited GTBank to address unauthorized transactions from his mother’s account. In an Instagram post prior to his arrest, VDM wrote, “If GT-BANK can do this to my mother then they are doing it to a lot of Nigerians. How can you say someone used my mother’s NIN to collect loan? Like how? Where is your customer security?” His vocal demands for accountability gained significant traction online, putting pressure on the bank. However, the situation escalated when EFCC operatives apprehended VDM at the bank premises. Initial reports suggested police involvement, but the FCT Police Command denied any knowledge of the arrest, and VDM’s lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, confirmed that the EFCC was responsible.

According to Adeyanju, VDM and a friend, identified as C Park, were detained after being trapped inside the bank’s exit door for over five minutes, allegedly to facilitate the EFCC’s operation. Adeyanju described the treatment as “inhumane” and vowed to pursue legal action against GTBank for their alleged complicity. Reports indicate that VDM refused to leave his cell to meet with lawyers, stating he would not see anyone, which underscored the tense atmosphere surrounding his detention.

Allegations of Mistreatment

Posts on X and statements from VDM’s brother and friend, KokoPee, have fueled public outrage over the activist’s treatment in EFCC custody. VDM’s brother alleged that both he and VDM were physically assaulted during the arrest, with injuries severe enough to require medical attention. Multiple X posts, including those from @instablog9ja, @Gistme9j, and @alaye_ng, claimed that the EFCC refused to release VDM and his friend for medical treatment following the alleged assault. These reports painted a picture of harsh conditions, with VDM’s brother describing the situation as “heartbreaking” and accusing the EFCC of blocking access to necessary care.

The claim that VeryDarkMan was denied food by his friend and brother, attributed to KokoPee, emerged in this context of alleged mistreatment. However, no direct evidence from the available sources explicitly confirms this specific allegation. The statement appears to be part of broader narratives circulating on X, where users expressed concern over VDM’s welfare. For instance, a post by @Olamide0fficial referenced VDM’s brother and KokoPee narrating events at GTBank and EFCC custody, but it did not explicitly mention food denial. Without a verified source or direct quote from KokoPee, the claim remains unconfirmed and may reflect the heightened emotions and speculation surrounding VDM’s detention.

Public Reaction and Sentiment

The arrest and alleged mistreatment of VeryDarkMan sparked significant backlash on social media, particularly on X, where users condemned the EFCC and GTBank. Posts described the incident as an attempt to silence a vocal critic, with hashtags and mentions amplifying calls for VDM’s release. The sentiment on X was overwhelmingly supportive of VDM, with users like @fcspokesman asserting that “observation no be cr¡m£” and highlighting the brutality allegedly inflicted on VDM and his lawyer. Others, such as @TheCruxnewsng, emphasized the EFCC’s refusal to provide medical treatment, further fueling perceptions of injustice.

VDM’s reputation as a fearless advocate for consumer protection and accountability has made him a polarizing yet influential figure. His past confrontations, including allegations against EFCC officials in the Bobrisky bribery case in 2024, have positioned him as a thorn in the side of powerful institutions. This history likely contributes to the public’s sensitivity to his treatment in custody, with many viewing his arrest as retaliatory.

Analyzing the Food Denial Claim

The specific allegation that VeryDarkMan was denied food by his friend and brother at the EFCC headquarters, as attributed to KokoPee, lacks corroboration in the provided sources. While X posts and statements from VDM’s brother and lawyer detail physical assault and denial of medical treatment, there is no explicit mention of food being withheld. The claim may have originated from misinterpretations or unverified accounts circulating online, as social media platforms often amplify unconfirmed details during high-profile incidents.

It is possible that the food denial allegation is part of a broader narrative of mistreatment, given the reports of physical assault and restricted access to medical care. However, without a direct statement from KokoPee or official documentation, the claim remains speculative. The absence of concrete evidence underscores the need for caution when evaluating social media-driven narratives, especially in emotionally charged situations.

EFCC and GTBank’s Response

As of the latest reports, neither the EFCC nor GTBank has issued an official statement addressing the specific allegations of mistreatment or food denial. The EFCC’s silence on the matter contrasts with its swift response to VDM’s earlier allegations in 2024, when it invited him and Bobrisky for questioning over bribery claims. GTBank’s role in the arrest, particularly the claim that VDM was trapped inside the bank’s exit door, has raised questions about the bank’s complicity, but no formal response has been documented.

Legal and Social Implications

VDM’s detention highlights broader issues of freedom of expression and the treatment of activists in Nigeria. His lawyer’s pledge to take legal action against GTBank signals a potential challenge to the bank’s practices and the EFCC’s handling of the case. The incident also underscores the power of social media in shaping public discourse, as X posts have driven significant attention to VDM’s plight.

For VeryDarkMan, this arrest adds to a history of confrontations with authorities and powerful figures. His refusal to honor an EFCC invitation in 2024, citing distrust and concerns about being framed, reflects a consistent stance against perceived institutional overreach. The current situation may further solidify his image as a martyr for justice among supporters, while critics may view it as a consequence of his provocative approach.

Conclusion

The arrest and detention of Martins Vincent Otse, aka VeryDarkMan, at the EFCC headquarters on May 2, 2025, has ignited a firestorm of controversy, with allegations of physical assault, denial of medical treatment, and, as claimed by KokoPee, denial of food by his friend and brother. While the claims of assault and restricted medical access are supported by statements from VDM’s brother and lawyer, the specific allegation of food denial lacks direct evidence and remains unverified. Public sentiment on X reflects deep concern for VDM’s welfare, with many viewing his treatment as an attempt to suppress dissent.

As the situation develops, further clarification from KokoPee, the EFCC, or GTBank could shed light on the food denial claim and other allegations. For now, VeryDarkMan’s case serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by activists in Nigeria and the role of social media in amplifying their struggles. Those seeking to verify the claims should monitor credible news outlets or official statements, as social media narratives, while powerful, can sometimes outpace confirmed facts.