A tide of protest swept over Monday at GTBank Abuja office as many dozens of Nigerians came flooding into protest over the continued captivity of very influential social media observer, VeryDarkMan.
Hollering “Free VeryDarkMan now!” and waving signs with unmistakable messages, the demonstrators blamed GTBank for cooperating with the alleged unlawful arrest. The bank, according to them, had a hand in a petition that led to his current incarceration. Security officers were seen being stationed outside the premises, but the protesters did not riot and instead continued loudly and insistently.
VeryDarkMan, known for making use of his platform to decry online fraud and social injustice, was taken into custody purportedly due to his posts about the latest finance scandal. His followers believe that he is singled out for “speaking truth to power” and making people aware of what many prefer not to know.
Midway through the rally, organizers remembered a similar occurrence in 2023 when VeryDarkMan was briefly arrested after exposing an alleged Ponzi scheme involving a popular influencer. Then there was also a massive social media campaign that forced his release shortly thereafter. Protesters on Monday claimed they want history to repeat itself.
“We are not here for VeryDarkMan, though,” said the protester. “We are here to defend freedom of speech and prevent silencing of voices that expose wrongdoing.”
The majority of protesters had T-shirts printed with the face of the activist. Others used Instagram and X (formerly Twitter) to post real-time updates, spreading the hashtag #FreeVeryDarkManNow on trending lists.
GTBank, however, has not made any statement regarding its alleged involvement. But its social media accounts have since shut off comment, showing mounting online pressure.
Until Monday night, VeryDarkMan’s lawyers had stated that they were seeking bail while calling for a clear and fair investigation. The protest ended peacefully, but the protesters promised to appear every day until their demands are met.
The case is still popular nationwide, with several celebrities and public figures now speaking out in support online. To many, this protest is not just about one man — it’s the fight for free speech rights where no one should have to fear being arrested for speaking out.
