KEY POINTS

• Peter Obi condemned the controversial arrest of activist VeryDarkMan and alleged abduction of a NANS president, warning such tactics endanger democracy and mimic criminal behavior.

• The incidents sparked economic concerns, including backlash against GTBank and a decline in investor confidence amid Nigeria’s 18% FDI drop in 2024.

• Obi emphasized the need to protect youth activism and judicial integrity, citing a pattern of suppression undermining national accountability and global trust.

Former presidential candidate Peter Obi has publicly criticized the recent arrest of social media activist Martin Vincent Otse, known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), and the alleged abduction of a National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) president, calling the incidents emblematic of a broader erosion of democratic freedoms.

Obi, the Labour Party’s 2023 presidential contender, described VDM’s arrest as resembling “a disturbing method that not only creates fear but also risks being mimicked by criminal elements.” He warned that blurring the line between lawful arrests and unlawful abductions undermines national security and public trust.

According to Channelstv, the activist was detained last week under unclear circumstances, with videos circulating online showing armed men bundling him into a van.

The former Anambra governor linked the incident to a pattern of heavy-handed tactics, noting that even judges have faced similar treatment in recent years. “When those who interpret the law are treated with disregard, ordinary citizens cannot feel protected,” he stated. VDM, a vocal critic of government policies and celebrity misconduct, has previously faced arrests for his online commentary, which supporters claim targets corruption.

GTBank backlash highlights economic fallout of controversial arrests

Obi also addressed the collateral damage to Nigeria’s economy, citing public backlash against GTBank, which was allegedly linked to VDM’s arrest. “The reputational consequences for institutions like GTBank harm investor confidence at a time when it is already fragile,” he said. Nigeria’s foreign direct investment (FDI) fell by 18% in 2024, per Central Bank data, with analysts citing political instability and regulatory unpredictability as key deterrents.

The Labour Party leader questioned why authorities opted for a covert arrest instead of a transparent summons. “Would that not have spared Nigerians, GTBank, and our national image the unnecessary shame and losses we now witness?” GTBank has not publicly commented on the allegations.

Turning to the alleged abduction of the NANS president, Obi condemned the suppression of youth voices. “Nigeria’s youth should not feel coerced, silenced, or absorbed into political agendas that do not reflect their will,” he asserted. NANS, a influential student body, has recently protested education budget cuts and insecurity on campuses. While details of the president’s disappearance remain scarce, student groups allege political intimidation ahead of planned demonstrations.

Obi’s remarks come amid rising concerns over civic space restrictions. A 2024 report by Civic Watch documented 127 cases of activist arrests and 14 alleged abductions linked to state agencies. The former governor urged a return to rule of law: “We must rebuild a Nigeria where justice is seen to be done, youth speak freely, and institutions act responsibly.”