Former presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, has raised concerns over the recent arrest of social media activist Martin Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan, stating that the manner of his arrest has left many Nigerians deeply unsettled.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Obi likened the arrest to an abduction, warning that such methods pose risks to public confidence and could embolden criminal behaviour.
“The manner closely resembled an abduction, a disturbing method that not only creates fear but also risks being mimicked by criminal elements,” Obi said.
He stressed the dangers of a system where citizens are no longer able to clearly differentiate between lawful arrests and unlawful abductions, noting the implications for national security and public trust.
“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 stated.
Obi pointed out that the trend is not new and recalled that even the judiciary had previously experienced similar indignities.
“This trend is not new. We must recall that even our esteemed judges, the last line of defence for justice, have suffered similar indignities in recent years. 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 said.
The former Anambra State governor further expressed concern that such tactics are beginning to negatively affect the business environment and overall economic climate.
He referred to the backlash faced by Guaranty Trust Bank, which was allegedly linked to the circumstances surrounding Otse’s arrest, as a cautionary example of how such incidents can tarnish reputations and damage investor confidence.
Obi said, “The backlash directed at GTBank, allegedly linked to the circumstances surrounding Mr. Otse’s arrest, has had serious reputational consequences. 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.
“One cannot help but ask: 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 referenced the alleged abduction of a National Association of Nigerian Students president, which he said raised critical concerns about the independence of student leadership and the shrinking space for youth voices in democracy.
He emphasised that young Nigerians must not be forced into silence or co-opted into political agendas that do not reflect their genuine interests.
“Nigeria’s youth should not feel coerced, silenced, or absorbed into political agendas that do not reflect their will,” Obi said. “The oppression of young voices, whether through force, patronage, or intimidation, is a dangerous path that we must not normalise.”
He concluded by calling for a return to due process, dignity in public service, and the preservation of democratic freedoms.
“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,” he said.
