Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has condemned the controversial arrest of online personality Martin Otse, known widely as VeryDarkMan (VDM), describing it as alarmingly similar to an abduction.
In a statement on Sunday, Obi expressed concern over the disturbing trend, saying such tactics sow fear among citizens and blur the line between legal arrest and criminal abduction.
“If Nigerians cannot tell the difference between a lawful arrest and a kidnapping, then we are losing a key pillar of national security and public trust,” Obi warned.
He likened the incident to past cases involving even senior judges, suggesting a worrying erosion of respect for legal institutions. “When judges are dragged from their homes without due process, how can ordinary citizens expect protection under the law?” he asked.
The fallout has already hit major institutions. The former Anambra governor highlighted the reputational blow suffered by GTBank, allegedly linked to the arrest, warning that the backlash damages investor confidence at a time when the economy is already fragile.
“Could Mr Otse not have been invited for questioning in a lawful and transparent manner?” he posed. “This entire episode has not only embarrassed Nigerians but also cast a dark shadow on our global image.”
Obi also condemned the alleged abduction of a NANS President, calling it a blatant attack on student leadership and youth voices in democracy. He warned against silencing the country’s young population through fear, co-option, or intimidation.
“We must return to a Nigeria where justice is visible, youth are heard, and institutions act with responsibility—not spectacle,” Obi concluded.
