The arrest of social media activist VeryDarkMan has sparked a wave of reactions from various quarters, including political figures, civil society groups, and the public, as the fallout continues to unfold.
Peter Obi, the Labour Party presidential candidate, has condemned the arrest of VeryDarkMan as well as the alleged abduction of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) president, calling for respect for human rights and due process. Obi emphasized the need for authorities to uphold democratic principles and avoid stifling dissent.
Amid the backlash, the anti-corruption group reportedly behind a petition against embattled politician Abba Kyari has denied involvement, alleging that its name was impersonated. “We are not behind the petition; we have no affiliation with it. Someone is using our identity,” a spokesperson claimed, urging law enforcement to investigate the impersonation.
Abba Kyari, on his part, has responded to the allegations surrounding his name, declaring that he is “ready to account for [his] stewardship.” Kyari maintained his innocence and expressed confidence in the legal process.
In a related development, VeryDarkMan’s lawyer has vowed to close all accounts with Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) in protest against his client’s arrest, claiming it was facilitated at one of the bank’s branches. This has led to calls from some quarters on social media for a boycott of GTB, prompting widespread debate.
Reacting to the boycott calls, media personality Lere Olayinka took to X (formerly Twitter), questioning the rationale behind punishing the bank and its staff for the arrest. “If you pull down Guaranty Trust Bank because one person was arrested in the bank, what will happen to those working and earning their living there?” he wrote. “Some of them, their family members and friends are staff of GTB o. Sense far from some people walahi.”
Olayinka also mocked the boycott threats, stating, “I have been using @gtbank for close to 20 years. I heard one Online Baseless Lawyer and Human Rice and Beans Hacktivist is calling for boycott of GTB. Boycott ko, Girlcott ni.”
As tensions rise, the situation continues to stir debate over accountability, activism, and the role of institutions in a democratic society.
