Peter Obi, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, has criticised the recent arrest of social media activist Martin Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan, describing it as alarming and a threat to Nigeria’s civil liberties.
In a statement posted on his official X handle, on Sunday, May 4, Obi said the method of Otse’s arrest resembled an abduction, a tactic he warned could deepen public fear and encourage criminal behaviour.
He stated, “The manner in which VDM was arrested closely resembled an abduction, a disturbing method that not only creates fear but also risks being mimicked by criminal elements.”
Obi cautioned that such opaque actions blur the lines between legal enforcement and illegality. “If Nigerians begin to struggle to distinguish between legitimate arrests and unlawful abductions, we will lose a vital layer of national security and accountability,” he said.
He recalled that this trend was not new, citing past incidents involving members of the judiciary. “We must recall that even our esteemed judges, the last line of defence for justice, have suffered similar indignities in recent years.
“When those who interpret the law are treated with such disregard, it is difficult to expect that ordinary citizens will feel protected under the law,” he said.
Obi also drew attention to the economic implications of the incident. He noted that Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank), allegedly linked to the circumstances of Otse’s arrest, has suffered reputational damage.
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“The backlash directed at GTBank, allegedly linked to the circumstances surrounding Mr. Otse’s arrest, has had serious reputational consequences.
“At a time when investor confidence is already fragile, we must do all we can to avoid actions that tarnish institutions or undermine the trust of both citizens and the international community,” he stated.
Obi questioned the necessity of the approach used by security operatives. “One cannot help but ask: was it impossible to invite Mr. Otse in a civil, transparent, and legal manner? Would that not have spared Nigerians, GTBank, and our national image the unnecessary shame and losses we now witness?” he asked.
The former Anambra governor also expressed concern over the alleged abduction of a factional NANS president, warning that such incidents threaten the independence of student leadership and democracy itself.
He said, “Nigeria’s youth should not feel coerced, silenced, or absorbed into political agendas that do not reflect their will. The oppression of young voices, whether through force, patronage, or intimidation, is a dangerous path that we must not normalise.”
Calling for a return to justice and institutional dignity, Obi added, “We must return to a Nigeria where justice is done and is seen to be done without theatrics or abuse.
“A country where youth can speak freely, judges can serve with dignity, and institutions act responsibly. That is the Nigeria we must rebuild.”