Arrest of VeryDarkMan resembles abduction – Peter Obi raises concerns
Peter Obi, former Presidential candidate of the Labour Party, has condemned the recent arrest of social media critic Martin Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), by security operatives.
VDM was apprehended on Friday following his visit to a Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) branch in Abuja to report alleged unauthorized transactions from his mother’s account. According to his lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, he was subsequently detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
In a statement released on Sunday, Obi acknowledged the potential legality of the arrest but criticized the aggressive manner in which it was executed, stating that it left many Nigerians feeling unsettled.
“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,” he declared.
Obi further emphasized the significance of distinguishing between legitimate arrests and unlawful abductions, warning that failing to do so could undermine national security and accountability.
“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.
Reflecting on the broader implications, Obi noted that such methods impact trust in legal institutions and the economy. He pointed out that the backlash against GTBank, which has been linked to the circumstances of VDM’s arrest, has resulted in 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,” he stressed.
Questioning the necessity of the arrest’s approach, Obi asked, “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?”
Source: DAILY POST
