Lere Olayinka, an aide to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, has slammed calls to boycott Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) over the controversial arrest of social media activist, Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM).
VDM was reportedly arrested after being allegedly locked inside the exit door of a GTBank branch and handed over to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). His lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, described the incident as a “trap” and stated that both VDM and his friend were detained during a visit to the bank.
In a statement posted on X (formerly Twitter), Adeyanju condemned GTBank’s alleged involvement, vowing to sue the bank and close all his accounts with the institution. He also revealed that VDM had refused to see anyone while in EFCC custody.
The incident sparked outrage on social media, with several users calling for a boycott of the bank. But Olayinka pushed back, warning against what he called “emotional reactions” that could have broader consequences.
“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?” Olayinka asked. “Some of them self, their family members and friends are staff of GTBank o. Sense far from some people walahi.”
He also mocked those leading the campaign, saying, “I heard one online baseless lawyer and human rice and beans hacktivist is calling for boycott of GTBank. Boycott ko, Girlcott ni.”
Olayinka stressed the importance of thinking critically in moments of outrage, urging Nigerians not to vilify an entire institution over a single controversial event.
