Stanley Ontop Accuses Mercy Chinwo Over VeryDarkMan’s Arrest: “Church Is Another Government Agency”
Popular Nigerian filmmaker Stanley Ajemba, famously known as Stanley Ontop, has sparked controversy online by alleging that gospel singer Mercy Chinwo is responsible for the recent arrest of social media activist VeryDarkMan (VDM) — not GTBank, as initially rumored.
In a bold Instagram post on Sunday, Stanley dismissed viral reports linking GTBank to the incident and instead pointed fingers at Chinwo. He accused her of using state-backed institutions like the police, EFCC, and even the military to "intimidate citizens," implying that Nigerian churches have morphed into powerful and oppressive institutions.
“GTBANK is not responsible for VDM arrest at their premises. Mercy Chinwo is responsible for the arrest of VDM,” Stanley wrote.
“Church is another government agency that uses our police, EFCC or military to intimidate citizens. Mercy Chinwo is the problem now, not GTBank.”
📌 What We Know So Far:
VDM, known for his controversial commentaries, was reportedly arrested by the EFCC on Friday, May 2, after visiting GTBank with his mother to resolve a financial dispute.
Initial reports speculated that GTBank played a role in the arrest.
Stanley Ontop now claims Mercy Chinwo ordered the arrest, possibly in response to earlier criticisms or accusations made by VDM.
💭 Opinion: When Religion and Influence Mix With Power
Stanley’s fiery statement has reignited conversations around religious influence and abuse of power in Nigeria. If true, it raises critical concerns about the weaponization of state forces by influential individuals or institutions — including churches. The idea that gospel artists or spiritual leaders could direct law enforcement to silence critics undermines the values they preach.
At the same time, it’s important to remember that these are allegations, and the full context surrounding VDM’s arrest is still unfolding.
📢 Call for Transparency
In a country where public trust in institutions is shaky, cases like this demand clear, public explanation. Whether it’s GTBank, EFCC, or Mercy Chinwo, Nigerians deserve to know why a citizen was arrested after raising a complaint.
👀 What do you think? Is Stanley Ontop making a bold truth-telling move or stoking unnecessary drama? Should churches be held more accountable for how they use their influence?
Drop your thoughts in the comments 👇
#JusticeForVDM #NigeriaSpeaks #ChurchVsCitizens #FreedomOfSpeech #StanleyOntopSays #NigerianPoliceAbuse
