By John Ogunsemore
The 2023 presidential candidate of Labour Party, Peter Obi, has expressed concern over Friday’s arrest of activist, Martins Otse popularly known as VeryDarkMan or VDM.
VDM’s legal representatives, Deji Adeyanju & Partners disclosed that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arrested VeryDarkMan over alleged cyber stalking immediately after exiting the premises of a major commercial bank on Friday.
The firm disclosed that VDM, his mother and an associate, one Steven Avuara, visited the bank in Garki, Area 3 in Abuja to complain about unexplained deductions from VDM’s account.
“From our interactive session with Mr. Avuara, we were able to gather that Mr. Martins Otse, his mother, Mrs. Blessing Otse, and Mr. Avuara visited GTB Garki, Area 3, Abuja, to make inquiries about the incessant deductions from Mrs. Otse’s bank account.
“Following the conclusion of the inquiries, they attempted to exit the building, but were locked in the bank’s security door for over five minutes. Shortly thereafter, they were accosted at gunpoint a few metres outside the bank’s premises, beaten, and blindfolded by some armed men wearing black uniforms.”
The firm said the arrest was carried out by officers attached to EFCC’s Special Duty Committee (SDC) Unit 4.
The EFCC has not officially confirmed VDM’s arrest.
In a statement released on Sunday, Obi condemned the manner of the activist’s arrest, which he likened to an abduction.
He said, “The arrest of Martin Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), though perhaps within the legal rights of security agencies, was carried out in a manner that left many Nigerians 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.”
Obi added, “If Nigerians begin to struggle to distinguish between legitimate arrests and unlawful abductions, we will lose a vital layer of national security and accountability.”
Obi noted that abduction-like arrests have become a disturbing trend as “even our esteemed judges, the last line of defence for justice, have suffered similar indignities in recent years”.
According to Obi, the nation’s economy would suffer heavy losses if the rule of law is not adhered to by security and law enforcement agencies.
He stated, “Moreover, these methods are beginning to affect our economy and business environment. The backlash directed at GTBank, allegedly linked to the circumstances surrounding Mr. Otse’s arrest, has had 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.
“One cannot help but ask: 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?”