In a recent statement shared via the X post by Nigeria Stories on May 4, 2025, Peter Obi, a well-known Nigerian political figure and former presidential candidate, strongly criticized the arrest of Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), a vocal social media activist.

Obi described the detention as a troubling move to suppress the voices of young Nigerians, emphasizing that such actions set a dangerous precedent for the country’s democratic future.

His comments reflect a growing concern about the shrinking space for free expression among Nigeria’s youth, who often use platforms like X to highlight societal issues and hold authorities accountable.

VeryDarkMan’s arrest, which was executed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) in Abuja, has sparked widespread debate. Initial reports suggested his detention was linked to his public criticism of Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB) over alleged unauthorized transactions affecting his account.

However, a separate thread on X, posted by user Oladele on the same day, cites a video claiming that VDM’s arrest might not be connected to GTB at all, pointing to other underlying reasons for his ordeal.

This discrepancy has fueled speculation, with some, like Afrobeat artist Seun Kuti, alleging that powerful religious leaders and financial institutions may be orchestrating VDM’s detention to silence his activism.

Kuti, who shares the same lawyer as VDM, Deji Adeyanju, also mentioned his own legal battles with GTB, further complicating the narrative.

Peter Obi’s condemnation resonates with his long-standing advocacy for Nigerian youth, a cornerstone of his political platform during the 2023 general election.

As the Labour Party candidate, Obi garnered significant support from younger demographics by engaging them through social media, a strategy that helped him build a movement around good governance and accountability.

His remarks about VDM’s arrest echo sentiments he expressed in an April 2025 address at Johns Hopkins University, where he decried the exploitation of Nigerian youths by politicians through “transactional politics.”

Obi has consistently warned against the silencing of young voices, whether through intimidation, force, or financial incentives, arguing that such tactics undermine the future of the nation.

The broader context of youth suppression in Nigeria, as highlighted in a 2022 Freedom House report, underscores Obi’s concerns.

The report notes that the Nigerian government often restricts public events and protests deemed threatening to national security, a practice that disproportionately affects young activists.

Obi’s statement also references the alleged abduction of Atiku Isah, a student leader who accused Seyi Tinubu, son of President Bola Tinubu, of interference in student affairs.

These incidents, Obi argues, illustrate a troubling pattern of oppression that Nigeria must urgently address to protect its democratic values and the rights of its youth to speak freely.