Peter Obi, the former presidential candidate of the Labour Party (LP), has expressed his disapproval of the recent arrest of Martin Vincent Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan (VDM).
Obi characterized the event as deeply concerning, drawing parallels to an abduction.
Deji Adeyanju, a human rights lawyer, confirmed on Friday that VDM was detained by security officers at a Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) branch in Abuja.
The arrest reportedly followed a visit to the bank by VDM and his mother, who were there to resolve issues surrounding unauthorized transactions from her account.
Obi, reacting to the incident, criticized the force used during the arrest, stating that it violated basic principles of transparency and fairness.
He suggested that the method employed resembled a form of kidnapping rather than a legitimate law enforcement action.
“The way the force was applied, coupled with the lack of transparency, gives the impression of an abduction,” Obi remarked. “This raises fear among the public and could potentially encourage unlawful actions by criminals who may adopt similar methods.”
The former governor expressed concern that, if the line between legitimate law enforcement and wrongful abductions becomes blurred, it would undermine national security and accountability.
“Could the situation not have been handled with more transparency and respect for the law?” Obi asked. “Such an approach would have spared the Nigerian public, GTBank, and our national reputation unnecessary embarrassment.”
Obi also touched upon another worrying development, the alleged abduction of Atiku Isah, the president of the factional National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS). Obi warned that attempts to silence young voices in the country’s political landscape could harm the democratic process.
“Young Nigerians must not be made to feel that their opinions are irrelevant or that their participation in democracy is being stifled,” Obi stated. “Silencing the youth through coercion or intimidation is a dangerous precedent that should not be normalized.”
Isah, last week, accused Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, of interfering in NANS matters. He claimed that associates of Seyi Tinubu tortured him and pressured him into resigning from his leadership role on April 16, 2025.
