Former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has expressed strong disapproval over the recent arrest of social media activist Martin Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM). Obi described the manner of the arrest as a troubling indication of Nigeria’s disregard for due process and civil liberties.
In a statement posted on his official X (formerly Twitter) handle, Obi emphasized that while security agencies may act within the law, the methods used must remain civil, transparent, and lawful. He condemned the arrest, noting that the use of force and the lack of transparency gave the operation the appearance of an abduction.
“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,” Obi stated. “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.”
Obi cautioned that such actions undermine public trust in the security system and pose a significant risk to national security. He pointed out that if Nigerians can no longer distinguish between legitimate arrests and unlawful abductions, it would severely damage the country’s system of accountability.
The former governor also drew attention to a disturbing pattern of disregard for the rule of law, referencing previous incidents where members of the judiciary, the country’s last line of defense, had been treated with similar disrespect. “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,” Obi remarked.
He also highlighted the economic implications of such actions. Obi referenced public backlash against Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank), which some Nigerians have allegedly tied to Otse’s arrest. He cautioned that such controversies could erode confidence in financial institutions and discourage both local and international investment.
“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.
Obi suggested that a more civil approach, such as a lawful invitation, could have avoided both the embarrassment and the negative economic consequences of the arrest. He questioned why the authorities had not opted for this route to address the issue.
In addition to the arrest, Obi also voiced concerns about the recent adoption of the President of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), warning that the practice of coercing and suppressing youth voices is growing in Nigeria. He called for greater autonomy for Nigerian youth to freely express their views and interests without fear of political manipulation.
“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 normalize,” Obi stressed.
Obi concluded by urging the country to recommit to the principles of justice, human dignity, and institutional integrity. He emphasized the need for a Nigeria where justice is carried out openly and without abuse, where youth can speak freely, and where public institutions act responsibly.
“We must return to a Nigeria where justice is done and is seen to be done without theatrics or abuse,” Obi declared. “A country where youth can speak freely, judges can serve with dignity, and institutions act responsibly.”
