VeryDarkMan: U.S. citizen issues threat to EFCC, GTBank over controversial arrest

A self-identified U.S. citizen has stirred tension on social media after issuing a 48-hour ultimatum to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank), demanding the immediate release of Nigerian social media critic, VeryDarkMan.

In a video posted on X (formerly Twitter), the individual, who described herself as a “powerful mama with a big bag,” warned that if VeryDarkMan is not released by Monday evening, the U.S. military could be prompted to act.

The development follows VeryDarkMan’s arrest on Friday, May 2, shortly after exiting a GTBank branch. Eyewitnesses claim he was briefly delayed at the bank’s entrance before being picked up by EFCC operatives. While a circulating video has attempted to clear GTBank of any direct involvement, many of VeryDarkMan’s supporters have continued to drag the bank into the controversy.

In her viral message, the U.S. citizen stated:

“This is a serious warning, and I hope you guys listen very well. You cannot arrest VeryDarkMan, a freedom fighter. Free him within the next 48 hours.”

She continued:

“To the CEO of GTBank and the EFCC: I’m the mama with a very big bag. This is a direct contact from the USA. Free VeryDarkMan before Monday evening or a message will be sent by the U.S. military.”

The video sparked widespread reactions, with netizens split between amusement and concern. While some dismissed the threat as a social media stunt, others questioned the legality and optics of the EFCC’s arrest strategy — especially amid ongoing debates about the misuse of power to silence dissenting voices.

VeryDarkMan’s detention has continued to attract public outcry, with influencers, activists, and celebrities calling for his release and transparency over the reasons behind his arrest.

Read some netizens’ reactions below;

@DonyiboOyibo: “Hahah wahala for EFCC.”

@streetupdate24_: “Na working boys run am !! No be US government.”

@BeautifullOnyi: “Vdm sugar mama has spoken ooo…. Efcc oya ooo.”

@mac__nelson: “Na person cl be this. Na one boy write that speech for her to read, aaaahh she say na mama with big bag.”

@Dozzy_Dozzy22: “Akụkọ! Even MNK with British background is incarcerated for 5yrs now without backlash, same as the white guy who was tortured and taken to court in crushes in pains without medical care.”

@Odoemena58: “We too like corruption for this country, sotey if we see person that is fighting to get justice we start to talk nonsense.”

@Idnobletv: “Why US no involve in Nnamdi Kanu and Simon Ekpa case. Is VDM more important than them to you people?”