Peter Obi warns against culture of abduction, intimidation amid Verydarkman arrest

Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has expressed strong disapproval over the manner in which controversial social media critic Martin Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), was arrested, describing it as deeply troubling and harmful to Nigeria’s democratic and security institutions.

In a statement released on Sunday, Obi likened the arrest to an abduction, warning that such practices not only instill fear among citizens but could also embolden criminal elements to mimic law enforcement tactics.

“The way Mr. Otse was arrested has left many Nigerians unsettled. It closely resembled an abduction — a disturbing method that erodes trust and makes it difficult to distinguish between legitimate police action and unlawful detention,” Obi said.

The Labour Party chieftain pointed to a pattern of such incidents in recent years, including the humiliation of high-ranking judges, which he said undermines public confidence in the judiciary and the rule of law.

“When judges — the final custodians of justice — are subjected to similar treatment, it becomes almost impossible for everyday citizens to believe they are protected under the law,” he added.

Obi also warned that the fallout from such heavy-handed actions is not limited to civil liberties. He referenced the backlash directed at GTBank, which has been linked to the circumstances of VDM’s arrest, noting that the incident has dented the bank’s reputation and could negatively impact investor confidence.

“At a time when investor trust is already fragile, incidents like this damage the credibility of institutions and harm our global image. We must avoid actions that cast doubt on our commitment to due process,” he said.

Questioning the approach taken by security agencies, Obi asked, “Was it impossible to invite Mr. Otse in a transparent and civil manner? Would that not have spared Nigerians, GTBank, and our national image the embarrassment we now face?”

He further raised concerns over the reported abduction of a National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) president, which he said calls into question the independence of student leadership and the safety of young voices in Nigeria’s democracy.

“The youth of Nigeria must not feel silenced, intimidated, or absorbed into political agendas that do not reflect their true aspirations. Suppressing young voices — whether through coercion, violence, or political patronage — is a dangerous path we must not normalize,” he warned.

Obi concluded with a call for a return to a just society where all institutions — from the judiciary to law enforcement — operate transparently, and where the youth can speak without fear.

“We must rebuild a Nigeria where justice is not only done but seen to be done — where judges are respected, young people can speak freely, and institutions act with integrity. That is the Nigeria we deserve,” he declared.