You Can’t Even Walk Into GTBank Without Fear Anymore, Look at What Happened to VDM – Peter Obi Reactions to VDM Arrest by Citynobs May 5, 2025, 2:00 am Former Labour Party presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has raised alarm over the controversial arrest of Martin Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), at a Guaranty Trust Bank (GTBank) branch in Abuja. In a strongly worded statement on Sunday, Obi described the arrest as disturbing, stating that it bore a closer resemblance to an abduction than a lawful apprehension. According to human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju, VDM had gone to the bank with his mother to address issues related to unauthorized withdrawals when he was suddenly arrested by police officers in an aggressive manner. Obi said the way the incident was carried out left many Nigerians unsettled and afraid. “This is not just about one man,” he said. “It’s about the growing pattern of law enforcement operating without civility or transparency.” He stressed that when citizens begin to confuse arrests with abductions, national security and public trust begin to erode. “We must recall that even our esteemed judges—those who interpret the law—have suffered similar humiliation in recent years,” Obi stated. “When the law is not respected by its own enforcers, ordinary people will feel unprotected.” Obi also pointed out the economic and reputational implications of such incidents. He noted the backlash faced by GTBank, which many assumed was involved in the incident, has hurt not just the brand but public confidence in financial institutions. “At a time when investor confidence is already fragile, we cannot afford to let reckless actions by security agencies stain our institutions,” he said. He questioned why a civil and legal invitation wasn’t extended to Otse instead of a dramatic public confrontation. Additionally, Obi voiced concerns over the alleged abduction of Atiku Isah, a factional leader of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), calling it another attack on youth voices in a democracy. “We must rebuild a Nigeria where justice isn’t just done, but done with dignity and restraint,” he concluded.
