The 2023 Labour Party Presidential aspirant, Peter Obi in a post on Sunday addressed the alleged abduction of Martin Vincent Otse popularly known as VDM, a social medial influencer an activist, by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission —EFCC— on the 2nd of May.

According to report VDM had gone to the banking hall of Guarantee Trust Bank –GTB—because the bank had alleged loaned an unidentified person using his mother’s National Identification Number—NIN— some fund without carrying out due diligence.

However report had it that he was forcefully abducted by the EFCC on his way out of the banking hall, where the security operatives wore a black mask over his face and since then not being found.

Obi addressing the incidence on Sunday, posted on his X official time line, reprimanding the security operatives of the use of force in arresting some Nigerian youths, rather than invite them to their office for talks and all.

He pointed out that the method of abduction being used by the operatives is not new and afraid that some criminal element may adopt the method as well, which he stated is risky for the nation.

He warned that there is need to do all that will not tarnish the image of the country or scare investors away, which will be disadvantageous to the economy.

Obi’s post read: “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. If Nigerians begin to struggle to distinguish between legitimate arrests and unlawful abductions, we will lose a vital layer of national security and accountability.

“This trend is not new. We must recall that even our esteemed judges, the last line of defence for justice, have suffered similar indignities in recent years. When those who interpret the law are treated with such disregard, it is difficult to expect that ordinary citizens will feel protected under the law.

“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?

“Similarly troubling are allegations surrounding the so-called adoption of the NANS President If true, it raises critical questions about the independence of student leadership and the subtle erosion of young voices in our democracy.

“Nigeria’s youth should not feel coerced, silenced, or absorbed into political agendas that do not reflect their will. The oppression of young voices, whether through force, patronage, or intimidation, is a dangerous path that we must not normalize.

“We must return to a Nigeria where justice is done and is seen to be done without theatrics or abuse. A country where youth can speak freely, judges can serve with dignity, and institutions act responsibly. That is the Nigeria we must rebuild.” He admonished.

By: Adeoye Olorunseun Elizabeth