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| VeryDarkMan arrested at GTBank during protest |
Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) asked the Nigerian police to detain social media influencer Martins Vincent Otse, known as VeryDarkMan, after he publicly questioned repeated debits from his mother’s account. The influencer went to the Area 3 branch in Abuja to demand an explanation and copies of her bank statements. Officers arrested him and a friend, leaving his mother free to collect her documents .
VeryDarkMan had posted screenshots showing at least seven loan‑repayment debits on his mother’s account this year. The sums ranged from ₦230.88 to ₦19,379.56, all tagged “Loan Repayment.” He insisted none of these deductions had his mother’s approval . GTBank staff agreed to help retrieve statements but reportedly made no immediate public comment.
His legal team, led by Barrister Deji Adeyanju, said the influencer’s only “offence” was speaking up about suspicious withdrawals. Adeyanju confirmed to SaharaReporters that officers of the Nigeria Police Force acted on GTBank’s request and took VeryDarkMan into custody at the bank premises .
This incident follows a similar case in April, when customer Ariyo Ahmed Adewale protested missing funds in his GTBank account and faced police detention. Adewale said the bank blamed online shopping charges on a platform he never used . Together, these episodes raise questions about how Nigerian banks handle customer disputes.
VeryDarkMan noticed the unexplained debits early this year and asked his mother’s branch for answers. He posted that the bank had removed small and large sums under “loan repayment,” even though no loan existed . Such debits can occur if systems misclassify transfers or if fraudsters exploit account details. The influencer’s public posts gained traction, drawing attention to wider concerns over bank security.
On the morning of May 2, 2025, officers arrived at GTBank’s Area 3 outlet in Abuja. They escorted VeryDarkMan and a friend into police custody. Adeyanju’s team described the arrest as heavy‑handed and vowed to challenge it in court . Under Nigerian law, law enforcement may act only on credible orders. But critics argue that using police to silence customer complaints erodes public trust in banks.
A consumer rights lawyer, speaking on condition of anonymity, said banks must follow clear steps when customers allege unauthorised debits. First, they should freeze the account to prevent further loss. Then they must investigate and refund any wrongful charges. If a customer remains dissatisfied, the bank may refer the case to a financial ombudsman—not to law enforcement—to settle disputes. Forcing an arrest can chill free speech and deter others from speaking up.
An information security specialist noted that repeated debits could signal system errors or insider threats. They recommended banks implement multi‑factor alerts to notify customers of loan‑related deductions. That step would allow account holders to flag suspicious activity before amounts escalate. The expert urged GTBank to review its alert system and strengthen staff training on dispute resolution.
As of publication, GTBank has not released an official statement on the VeryDarkMan case . A spokesperson could not be reached. Past statements have reassured customers that the bank investigates all fraud claims. It remains unclear why the bank sought an arrest rather than an internal resolution.
Many Nigerian banks rely on standard forms and in‑branch procedures for dispute handling. Experts say this process must evolve to include digital reporting tools and faster turnaround for statements. When customers must physically visit a branch, delays can fuel frustration. Prompt digital statements and a clear escalation ladder can prevent conflicts from becoming public and hostile.
Detaining a customer for raising concerns touches on free‑speech rights. While banks can seek court injunctions against defamation, using police to enforce reputation management is risky. Legal experts advise banks to file civil suits if they believe false statements were made. That path balances bank reputation and individual rights without criminalising customer complaints.
Online reactions split between sympathy for VeryDarkMan and calls for calm. Some users praised him for holding big institutions to account. Others worried about possible misuse of public platforms to pressure banks. Many urged GTBank to improve customer engagement and avoid involving law enforcement in routine disputes.
VeryDarkMan’s legal team plans to file a suit demanding his immediate release and compensation for reputational harm. They also want the court to order GTBank to refund any unauthorised debits and report on its findings. Meanwhile, consumer rights groups are watching closely and may petition the Central Bank of Nigeria to review bank dispute protocols.
Your voice matters. Have you faced unexplained debits? Share your experience below. What steps should banks take to restore trust? Let’s discuss solutions that protect both customers and institutions.