Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has criticized the arrest of social media activist Martin Vincent Otse, known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), describing how he was apprehended as alarming and unsettling for many Nigerians.
In a statement on Sunday, Obi said the approach used in VDM’s arrest resembled an abduction, calling it a “disturbing method that not only creates fear but also risks being mimicked by criminal elements.”
He warned that blurring the lines between lawful arrests and unlawful abductions could severely damage public trust in the justice system. “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.
Obi also recalled past incidents where judges faced similar treatment, arguing that such actions undermine the very institutions meant to uphold justice. “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 added.
He linked the controversy to broader economic and reputational damage, particularly highlighting the backlash faced by GTBank, allegedly associated with the incident. “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 noted.
He questioned whether a more civil and transparent approach could have been used: “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?”
Obi also expressed concern over the reported abduction of a NANS President, saying it raises serious questions about student leadership and the suppression of youth voices in Nigeria’s democracy. He emphasized that young people should not be silenced or manipulated by political interests.
“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,” Obi concluded.
What you should know
Peter Obi’s remarks reflect growing concerns about the erosion of civil liberties and institutional trust in Nigeria, warning that forceful or opaque actions, especially involving public figures, could damage the country’s democracy and international reputation.
ALSO READ TOP STORIES FROM VERILY NEWS
