Labour Party presidential candidate in 2023 elections, Peter Obi has expressed deep concern over the recent arrest of social media activist, Martin Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM).
He described the saga as a troubling reflection of the nation’s current disregard for due process and civil liberties.
TheHintsNews reports that Otse was arrested on Friday at a branch of GTB after complaining of fraudulent transactions in his mum’s account.
Obi in a post on his official X account condemned the manner in which the arrest was carried out, noting that although security agencies may operate within the law, their methods must remain civil, transparent, and lawful.
Obi warned that such actions erode public trust in the security system and endanger national security.
He noted:“The arrest of Martin Vincent Otse, though perhaps within the legal rights of security agencies, was carried out in a manner that left many Nigerians unsettled,
“The display of force, lacking in transparency and civility, closely resembled an abduction – a disturbing method that not only creates fear but also risks being mimicked by criminal elements,
“If Nigerians begin to struggle to distinguish between legitimate arrests and unlawful abductions, we will lose a vital layer of national security and accountability.”
Citing a disturbing trend, Obi recalled similar violations in recent years, including the treatment of members of the judiciary.
“Even our esteemed judges, the last line of defence for justice, have suffered similar indignities. 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 stated.
Obi also linked the arrest to wider economic implications. He referenced the backlash against Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank), which some Nigerians have allegedly connected to Otse’s arrest, noting that such controversies can undermine confidence in financial institutions and further discourage investment.
He questioned whether a civil and lawful invitation could not have sufficed in addressing the matter involving Otse, suggesting that such a route would have spared the country embarrassment and economic fallout.
“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,” Obi said.