BREAKING: U.S. citizen gives EFCC 48-hour ultimatum over VDM arrest

DDM News

A United States citizen has issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Nigeria’s Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank), demanding the release of controversial Nigerian social media personality, VeryDarkMan.

According to Diaspora digital media (DDM), the ultimatum was accompanied by a veiled threat suggesting potential U.S. military involvement if the demand is not met.

The woman, whose identity remains unverified, posted a video on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter), describing herself as a “mama with a big bag” and warning Nigerian authorities of consequences.

In the video, she stated that VeryDarkMan must be released by Monday evening or the United States military would be contacted.

The threat has stirred widespread attention online, triggering reactions from Nigerian users who debated the seriousness and legitimacy of the warning.

This development follows the arrest of VeryDarkMan on Friday, May 2, 2025.

According to reports, EFCC officials arrested him shortly after he left a GTBank branch.

Eyewitnesses claim he was briefly delayed at the bank’s entrance before being picked up by agents of the anti-graft agency.

The specific charges or allegations against him remain unclear at the time of this report.

However, a video has surfaced online appearing to absolve GTBank of any direct involvement in the arrest.

Despite this, many of VeryDarkMan’s supporters continue to blame the bank, accusing it of being complicit in the incident.

They claim the delay at the entrance may have facilitated the EFCC’s operation.

The U.S. woman’s video escalated the situation, as she described VeryDarkMan as a “freedom fighter” who was being silenced for speaking the truth.

“This is a serious warning, and I hope you guys listen very well,” she said in her message.

“You cannot arrest VeryDarkMan, a freedom fighter.”

“Free him within the next 48 hours.”

She then addressed the leadership of GTBank and EFCC directly.

“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.”

Her message has since gone viral, gathering thousands of views and sparking heated discussions in the Nigerian digital space.

Many Nigerians are skeptical of her claims and view the message as exaggerated or comical.

Some believe the video was part of a publicity stunt or simply an overzealous supporter reacting emotionally.

A user identified as @mac__nelson commented, “Na one boy write that speech for her to read, aaaahh she say na mama with big bag.”

Another user, @Dozzy_Dozzy22, referenced Nnamdi Kanu’s long-standing incarceration, writing, “Even MNK with British background is incarcerated for 5yrs now without backlash.”

Others questioned the selectiveness of foreign interventions, asking why the United States had not acted in cases involving Nnamdi Kanu or Simon Ekpa.

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

These reactions reflect a broader frustration with the perceived double standards and growing concerns about freedom of expression in Nigeria.

VeryDarkMan has built a reputation as a bold critic of corruption, abuse of power, and societal decay.

He is known for using direct, sometimes provocative language to expose wrongdoing, and he has amassed a large following among Nigerian youths.

His arrest adds to a growing list of cases where vocal online activists are allegedly targeted by security agencies.

The EFCC has yet to release an official statement addressing the arrest or responding to the U.S. woman’s ultimatum.

GTBank has also remained silent regarding any role it may or may not have played in the situation.

As the 48-hour deadline approaches, public attention remains fixed on how Nigerian authorities will respond.

Many are watching closely to see whether the U.S. citizen’s threat will result in any formal diplomatic engagement or be dismissed as an online outburst.

In the meantime, supporters of VeryDarkMan continue to amplify calls for his immediate release.

His detention has reignited conversations around civil rights, freedom of speech, and the dangers faced by digital activists in Nigeria.

This latest episode reflects growing tension between the Nigerian government and outspoken citizens who use digital platforms to push for accountability.

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