Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has condemned the arrest of popular social media activist Martin Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), describing the operation as emblematic of Nigeria’s deepening erosion of civil liberties and due process.
In a strongly-worded statement issued via his X handle, Obi warned that the manner of the arrest, marked by what he described as a “display of force” and lack of transparency—closely resembled an abduction rather than a lawful detention.
“The arrest of Martin Vincent Otse, though possibly within the scope of legal authority, was carried out in a way that unsettled many Nigerians. It lacked civility, transparency, and due process, creating an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty,” Obi said.
The former governor cautioned that when citizens struggle to differentiate between state-sanctioned arrests and criminal abductions, it erodes public trust in the security system, which he called a “vital layer of national security and accountability.”
Drawing attention to a broader pattern, Obi recalled past instances of security overreach, including incidents involving members of the judiciary. “When even our judges—the interpreters of the law—are subjected to indignities, how can ordinary citizens feel safe under the same system?” he questioned.
Obi further highlighted the economic consequences of such high-handedness, referencing backlash directed at Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank), which some Nigerians have linked—rightly or wrongly—to Otse’s arrest.
“These kinds of controversies can damage institutional trust and scare away investors,” he warned.
He therefore urged the authorities to uphold the principles of justice and accountability, stating that the strength of a nation lies not just in its laws but in the fairness and transparency with which they are enforced.
