A wave of outrage swept through the streets on Monday morning as dozens of angry youths staged a dramatic protest outside the GTBank branch where controversial social media activist VeryDarkMan, also known as VDM, was reportedly arrested days ago. The protest, which took place in broad daylight and quickly went viral on social media, was a loud and defiant response to what many are calling an unjust and provocative arrest targeting free speech and youth voices in Nigeria.

Chants of “Free VDM!” and “We want justice!” filled the air as the demonstrators blocked the entrance of the bank, waving placards, raising their fists, and calling out the management of GTBank for allegedly allowing its premises to become a site for what they described as an oppressive action. Video footage from the scene showed a sea of young people, some wearing T-shirts emblazoned with “#FreeVDM,” others with faces masked in bandanas, all united by a singular goal—to demand answers and accountability for the popular internet personality’s sudden detention.

Eyewitnesses said the protest began peacefully around 10:30 a.m. but quickly drew a heavy police presence as the crowd swelled. Protesters accused law enforcement officers of intimidation tactics, including brandishing tear gas canisters and threatening to arrest anyone who refused to disperse. However, the youths stood their ground, chanting even louder, and accusing authorities of using force to silence dissent.

“We are here because we will not be quiet while our voices are being shut down,” said one protester who identified himself only as Tega. “VeryDarkMan is not just a content creator—he is a voice for the voiceless. His arrest at this GTBank branch is symbolic of a system that fears truth and transparency. Today, we are saying enough is enough.”

The protest comes just days after VeryDarkMan was reportedly picked up by men suspected to be from a government security agency while at the bank. Details surrounding his arrest remain murky, but online reports suggest he had gone to the GTBank branch for a routine transaction when he was suddenly approached and taken away without a warrant or clear explanation. His legal team and supporters have since raised the alarm over what they believe to be an unlawful arrest rooted in political motivation, given his rising popularity and unfiltered criticism of public figures.

VDM, who has gained widespread attention in recent months for his bold takes on corruption, societal inequality, and celebrity culture, has not been heard from since his detention. The lack of information about his whereabouts or well-being has fueled anger across social media platforms, where hashtags like #WhereIsVDM, #FreeVDM, and #JusticeForVDM have dominated trending lists for several days.

On Monday, that online fury spilled into real life.

The protest, though initially limited to the bank’s premises, quickly spread to adjacent streets, causing gridlock and drawing the attention of local traders and passersby. At one point, GTBank staff were reportedly evacuated through a back entrance as tensions rose and protesters accused the bank of complicity. While the bank has not issued an official statement regarding the incident, several of its branches have faced a flurry of one-star reviews and negative comments online from angry youths demanding clarity.

The demonstrators insisted that their protest was peaceful and only escalated due to the presence of armed officers. “We have a right to protest,” said a female protester named Boma. “We are not here to destroy property. We are here to demand that our leaders respect our rights. VDM has done nothing wrong. He is being punished for telling the truth.”

Some of the protesters held signs that read, “GTBank Must Speak Up!” and “We Demand Accountability.” Others accused the bank of allowing its premises to be used as a trap. “If they can come into a bank to arrest someone like that, then none of us is safe,” another protester said. “Next time it could be any one of us.”

The scene grew more chaotic around midday when police reinforcements arrived and began pushing protesters back from the bank’s premises. Several scuffles were reported, and at least three protesters were briefly detained before being released after intervention from community leaders who showed up to mediate. A few protesters were seen with minor injuries, and several vehicles parked nearby were caught in the fray, sustaining broken mirrors and scratched paint.

Despite the police’s efforts to disperse the crowd, the youths remained resolute, vowing to continue protesting until VeryDarkMan is released. “This is just the beginning,” one protester shouted into a megaphone. “If they think they can scare us into silence, they don’t know this generation. We will fight with our voices, our numbers, and our unity. We want VDM out. We want answers.”

The protest has triggered a broader conversation online about the safety of activists in Nigeria and the increasingly frequent use of force to suppress public criticism. Several civil society groups have condemned the arrest and called for immediate intervention by human rights organizations and legal advocacy groups.

Meanwhile, GTBank is facing growing pressure to clarify its role in the incident. Prominent voices in the financial and legal sectors have urged the bank to release CCTV footage from the day of the arrest and provide transparency about any coordination with law enforcement agencies. Failing to do so, they warn, could further erode public trust and damage the bank’s reputation among young Nigerians, many of whom form a significant portion of its customer base.

As dusk fell, the crowd outside the GTBank branch slowly began to thin, but the message left behind was loud and clear—this generation is watching, and it is no longer afraid to speak out. With many protesters vowing to return in larger numbers if VeryDarkMan is not released soon, it’s evident that this moment is not just about one man, but about a larger cry for justice, fairness, and the right to dissent without fear.

Whether the protest will lead to action or be met with further silence remains to be seen. But what is clear is that the arrest of VeryDarkMan has ignited a spark—and the flames of youth resistance are not dying down anytime soon.