ABUJA/Nigeria: The lawmaker representing Ndokwa/Ukwuani Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Nnamdi Ezechi, has strongly condemned the arrest of social media activist Martins Otse, popularly known as Very Dark Man (VDM), describing the incident as unprofessional and unacceptable.
Ezechi, in a statement made available to journalists, faulted the Nigerian Police for what he termed a “gestapo-style” operation in arresting the activist at a Guarantee Trust Bank (GTB) branch in Abuja on May 2, 2025. Otse had reportedly visited the bank to lodge a complaint over alleged unauthorized deductions from his mother’s account before he was arrested on allegations of cyberstalking the bank.
“The arrest of Very Dark Man at GTB, Abuja is highly condemnable. The police ought to have invited him in a professional manner, not treating him like a common criminal,” Ezechi said. “Martins Otse, whom I know, is a human rights advocate, not a criminal. His arrest undermines the principles of justice and civil engagement.”
The lawmaker called for VDM’s immediate release and urged the Nigerian Police Force to uphold constitutional standards and decorum in handling such matters. He also criticized the bank for allegedly compromising customer confidentiality, warning that financial institutions must prioritize customer privacy regardless of their social standing.
“It is unethical and unacceptable for any bank to disclose or act on private information in a way that violates the rights of law-abiding citizens,” Ezechi stated. “VDM has consistently stood for the oppressed, and what happened to him sends the wrong message to millions of Nigerians who still believe in advocacy and lawful dissent.”
Ezechi concluded by reiterating his support for the rights of citizens to demand accountability, both from the state and private institutions, without fear of intimidation or harassment. (NAN)
