Lawmaker Condemns Arrest of Social Media Activist Over Cyberstalking Allegations

Rep. Nnamdi Ezechi, who represents the Ndokwa/Ukwuani federal constituency in the House of Representatives, has criticized the arrest of social media personality Martins Otse, widely known as Very Dark Man (VDM).

According to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Otse was taken into custody on May 2 over allegations of cyberstalking Guarantee Trust Bank in Abuja.

He visited the bank, where he complained about alleged unauthorised deduction of funds from his mother’s account.

Ezechi who described the arrest as unprofessional, called on the Nigeria Police authorities to prioritise professionalism in the discharge of their constitutional duties.

He stated that the police should have invited him in a professional manner, as a law-abiding citizen, rather than applying a Gestapo-style approach.

“I, Hon Nnamdi Ezechi vehemently condemn the arrest of VeryDarkMan at the Guarantee Trust Bank, Abuja.

“VeryDarkMan, I know is not a criminal, and as such cannot be arrested like a criminal,” he said.

The lawmaker who called for VDM’s immediate release, advised banks especially GTB management to always protect their customers’ privacy.

Ezechi stated that it was unethical for banks to disclose information about the movements or personal details of their customers, especially law-abiding individuals like VDM.

According to him, VDM is a human rights activist who fights for the rights of the oppressed and common people in society.

NAN