Obi frowns at manner of VeryDarkMan’s arrest, controversial abduction of NANS President

Obi

By TANKO ALI

Former Anambra State Governor and Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has expressed deep concern over the recent arrest of social media activist Martin Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), describing it as a troubling reflection of the nation’s current disregard for due process and civil liberties.

In a strongly worded statement shared via his official X (formerly Twitter) handle on Sunday, Obi 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.

“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,” he said. “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 warned that such actions erode public trust in the security system and endanger national security. “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 added.

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.

The former governor 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.