Peter Obi has condemned the increasing display of force by security operatives during arrests, as the practice is capable of passing the wrong and dangerous message to society.
The warning followed the dramatic arrest of social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, alias VeryDarkMan. Obi questioned the method, which he described as too aggressive and similar to criminal kidnapping.
He further stated that this kind of public show of force might instill fear and confusion in the minds of the people. More forebodingly, he warned that criminals might start to adopt such tactics to conduct kidnappings and extortions.
Obi noted that in a country already facing insecurity, the approach might be a way of eroding the confidence of the public in the law enforcement agencies. He maintained the necessity of maintaining the distinction between legal arrest and illegal force.
In a related incident last year, the arrest of students’ union president Ayo Adebanjo led to protests in university campuses. Students accused the police of excessive use of force and intimidation.
Obi also raised the potential for economic consequences. He said that when institutions are linked with brutish behavior, investors may perceive the country as unstable and hostile. He urged security agencies to handle civil matters with restraint and professionalism.
On broader democratic values, Obi reminded the government that democracy thrives where citizens are allowed to speak up and hold leaders accountable without fear.
He concluded by calling for a justice system that embraces openness and observes the rule of law over intimidation. To him, peaceful policing is what should be the norm and not the exception.
