Nationwide Outrage: GTBank Branches Set Ablaze in Benue Over Arrest of VeryDarkMan — Nigerians Demand Justice

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In a dramatic escalation of public outrage, at least two Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) branches have reportedly been set ablaze in Benue State following the controversial arrest of popular social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM).

A viral video shows an unidentified man issuing a chilling warning:

“We have burned down two GTBank banks here in Benue. We don’t want to see anyone using GTBank. As they’ve arrested VeryDarkMan, they will see very dark problems. We will burn more banks if EFCC doesn’t release VDM.”

The protest has rapidly evolved into a nationwide campaign, with more than 100,000 Nigerians allegedly closing their GTBank accounts within 24 hours. The bank’s official apps on Apple Store and Google Play have also been flooded with poor ratings and negative reviews.

Social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, and Instagram are overwhelmed with over 13,000 user reports targeting GTBank’s pages.

Many see the backlash as retaliation for what they describe as an unjust arrest and alleged mistreatment of VDM by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). To date, neither GTBank nor the EFCC has released an official statement regarding the reason for his detention, now stretching into several days.

Critics are also pointing fingers at a possible setup. GTBank had just announced a historic ₦1 trillion profit, becoming the first Nigerian bank to achieve the feat. Observers now suggest the bank is being “targeted” as a symbolic pressure point against the establishment.

Support for VDM has come from every corner of Nigerian society — and even beyond. A Chinese national named Ross, who was once helped by VDM to recover money from a scammer, publicly called for his release:

“VDM na good person. Nigerian government should fix the economy instead of arresting those speaking the truth.”

Religious leaders have also weighed in. Catholic priest Rev. Fr. John Oluoma said:

“What God has used VeryDarkMan to do in Nigeria, not even Daddy G.O. or powerful prophets have done. His name may be Very Dark Man, but he does very light things.”

Meanwhile, a Nigerian blogger revealed that authorities have allegedly threatened to shut down their page for inciting protests:

“I was warned that if any protest happens in Nigeria, it will be my final road. Funny thing is, I haven’t even been on good terms with VDM lately. But because of that message, I now fully support his release.”

Celebrities like Seun Kuti and public figures such as Koko Pee have voiced similar demands. Koko Pee stated:

“Keeping him locked up without telling Nigerians why is unprofessional. I’m going to your office, EFCC, and I’m not afraid of your arrest.”

The online campaign #FreeVDM is gaining international traction, with Nigerians in the Diaspora — regardless of tribe or religion — uniting in a collective demand for justice. Back home, however, many feel that silence from celebrities and influencers has enabled this kind of oppression.

Unless EFCC releases an official statement or presents charges, the tension appears far from over.

What began as a single arrest may now ignite a broader national conversation about freedom of speech, accountability, and how far Nigerians will go to demand justice.