In a statement posted on his official X handle on Sunday, May 4, Peter Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, expressed strong concern over the recent arrest of social media activist Martin Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan. Obi described the arrest as alarming and a threat to Nigeria’s civil liberties.
He stated that the manner in which Otse was apprehended closely resembled an abduction—a disturbing tactic, he warned, that could instill public fear and embolden criminal behavior.
“This method of arrest not only creates widespread fear but also risks being replicated by criminal elements,” Obi noted.
He pointed out that this troubling trend is not new, recalling similar treatment faced by members of the judiciary in recent years. “We must remember that even our esteemed judges—the final defenders of justice—have suffered such indignities. When those who uphold the law are treated with such disregard, it becomes difficult for ordinary citizens to feel protected,” he added.
Obi also highlighted the economic implications of the incident, citing the reputational damage suffered by Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank), which is allegedly linked to the circumstances surrounding Otse’s arrest.
He cautioned that such opaque actions blur the line between legitimate law enforcement and unlawful conduct. “If Nigerians begin to struggle to distinguish between lawful arrests and abductions, we risk losing a critical layer of national security and accountability,” Obi warned.