Controversial social media influencer, Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), was on Thursday re-arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja by the Nigeria Police for alleged cyberbullying of several public figures, including Nollywood actresses Iyabo Ojo and Tonto Dikeh.
VDM was brought before Justice Musa Liman on a five-count charge bordering on cyberstalking and dissemination of offensive content, to which he pleaded not guilty.
The re-arraignment follows the reassignment of the case—initially filed before Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon on May 22, 2024—after her transfer to another division of the court. The charges, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/140/2024, were originally filed on March 28, 2024.
According to the charge sheet, VDM is accused of making multiple social media posts containing offensive, threatening, or false statements targeting celebrities and public officials. Among the allegations:
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On October 13, 2023, he allegedly published a video on Instagram targeting music producer Samuel Oguachuba, popularly known as Samklef, with bullying remarks.
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On October 29, 2023, he allegedly accused actress Iyabo Ojo of engaging in an indecent sexual relationship with her daughter.
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On January 19, 2024, he was said to have falsely claimed that actress Tonto Dikeh was involved in misappropriating funds meant for the Justice for Mohbad movement and linked her to operating the controversial Gistlover blog.
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On March 19, 2024, VDM allegedly made insulting remarks directed at Deputy Inspectors General of Police and members of the National Assembly.
The charges were brought under Section 24 of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015.
VDM was initially remanded in custody after his first arraignment but was later granted bail on June 10, 2024, with conditions including ₦10 million bail and two sureties who must be senior federal civil servants or employees of reputable organizations with verifiable tax clearance for three years.
During Thursday’s proceedings, VDM’s counsel, Deji Adeyanju, pleaded with the court to retain the earlier bail conditions granted by Justice Olajuwon. The prosecuting counsel, Victor Okoye, did not object.
Justice Liman granted the request, allowing VDM to remain on his existing bail and adjourned the case until July 24, 2025, for trial.
