Controversial social media personality Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), was on Thursday re-arraigned before a Federal High Court in Abuja on allegations of cyberbullying Nollywood stars Iyabo Ojo and Tonto Dikeh.
He was also accused of cyberbullying Nigerian music producer Samuel Oguachuba, also known as Samklef, among others.
VDM was re-arraigned before Justice Musa Liman on a five-count charge but pleaded not guilty to all counts.
The charges stem from earlier proceedings initiated on March 28, 2024, against the social activist. He was subsequently arraigned before Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon on May 22, 2024.
However, the case was reassigned to Justice Liman, as Justice Olajuwon has since been transferred to another division of the court.
The charges, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/140/2024, are brought under Section 24 of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015.
According to the prosecution, VDM allegedly posted a video on his Instagram handle (@verydarkblackman) on October 13, 2023, containing threatening and bullying content directed at Samklef. On October 29, 2023, he allegedly published another video targeting Iyabo Ojo, including claims of an inappropriate relationship with her daughter.
He is also accused of publishing a false statement on January 19, 2024, alleging that actress Tonto Dikeh misappropriated funds raised for the “Justice for Mobbad” campaign and is the individual behind the Gistlover blog.
Another count alleges he posted insulting comments about Deputy Inspectors General of Police and members of the National Assembly on March 19, 2024.
VDM was previously granted bail on June 10, 2024, by Justice Olajuwon, with conditions set at ₦10m and two sureties in like sum.
The sureties are to be either senior federal civil servants at Level 17 or employees of a reputable organisation, with evidence of three years’ tax clearance.
Following his re-arraignment on Thursday, VDM’s lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, requested that the existing bail conditions be maintained.
The police prosecution, Victor Okoye, did not oppose the motion.
Justice Liman granted him bail and adjourned until July 24, 2025, for trial.
