Peter Obi, the 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, has strongly criticized the arrest of social media activist Martin Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), describing it as resembling an abduction and highlighting its implications for Nigeria’s democratic principles.
The arrest occurred on May 2, 2025, when Otse visited a Guaranty Trust Bank branch in Garki, Abuja, with his mother to address unauthorized withdrawals from her account. According to legal representatives, Otse, his mother, and an associate, Steven Avuara, were detained by armed men in black uniforms shortly after exiting the bank. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission reportedly arrested Otse on charges of cyberstalking, though the lack of transparency in the process has drawn widespread concern.
Obi condemned the heavy-handed tactics used during the arrest, noting that the display of force, which included locking Otse and his companions in the bank’s security door for over five minutes before accosting them at gunpoint, was unnecessarily aggressive. He argued that such methods blur the line between lawful enforcement and criminal abductions, eroding public trust in security agencies. Obi questioned why Otse could not have been invited for questioning civilly, suggesting that a transparent approach would have avoided reputational damage to both the bank and Nigeria’s image. He further warned that such actions risk being mimicked by criminal elements, posing a threat to national security.
In addition to Otse’s arrest, Obi raised concerns about the alleged abduction of Atiku Isah, a factional president of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS). Isah had accused Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, of interfering in NANS affairs, claiming he was tortured and coerced into resigning by associates of the president’s son. Obi described these allegations as a troubling sign of the erosion of youth voices in Nigeria’s democracy, emphasizing that students and young activists should be free to express their views without fear of intimidation or suppression. He cited past incidents, including the mistreatment of judges, to illustrate a pattern of disregard for the rule of law, which he believes undermines justice and public confidence.
Obi also highlighted the economic repercussions of such incidents, pointing to the backlash faced by Guaranty Trust Bank, which has been linked to Otse’s arrest. He noted that at a time when investor confidence in Nigeria is fragile, such controversies could deter both domestic and international stakeholders. Calling for a return to transparent and lawful practices, Obi urged security agencies to prioritize civility and accountability to protect Nigeria’s democratic institutions and foster an environment where youth can engage freely in civic discourse.