The recent controversy surrounding Nigerian activist Very Dark Man (VDM) and GT Bank highlights the dangers of a one-sided narrative. VDM visited a GT Bank branch to address alleged unauthorized deductions from his mother’s account. Shortly after, reports surfaced that he had been arrested by the EFCC, sparking outrage among his supporters.
Social media erupted with claims that GT Bank had conspired with EFCC, and that VDM was arrested within the bank’s premises, leading to mass account deactivations and protests. However, GT Bank later released CCTV footage showing VDM leaving their premises before his apprehension, suggesting that the arrest occurred outside their jurisdiction.
This conflicting information underscores the risks of accepting a single perspective without verifying facts. A one-sided story can fuel misinformation, deepen divisions, and unjustly tarnish reputations. In this case, the absence of a balanced narrative led to widespread condemnation of GT Bank before all details were clear.
To avoid such pitfalls, it is crucial to seek multiple viewpoints, question assumptions, and remain open to evolving facts. In this instance, VDM has not shared what really transpired that led to his arrest, on one hand, and on the other hand, the EFCC and GT Bank has not also shared their own side of the story. Thus, a hasty conclusion on this matter points to sensationalism which is one of the abuses of mass media that the society must stand up against.
By Mazi Endurance Onun
Port Harcourt
May 3, 2025.
