The Nigeria Police Force has re-arraigned controversial social media influencer, Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), before the Federal High Court in Abuja over allegations of cyberbullying prominent Nollywood actresses and other public figures.
VDM was brought before Justice Musa Liman on a five-count charge bordering on cyberstalking and defamation. The charges include allegedly targeting Nollywood actresses Iyabo Ojo, Tonto Dikeh, and music producer Samuel Oguachuba, popularly known as Samklef.
According to court documents, the charges are in violation of Section 24 of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, and were initially filed on March 28, 2024, with case number FHC/ABJ/CR/140/2024. The matter was re-assigned to Justice Liman following the transfer of the previous trial judge, Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon, to another division.
VDM, who had earlier been arraigned on May 22, 2024, pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The first count alleges that on or about October 13, 2023, he published a video on his Instagram account (@verydarkblackman) containing threatening and bullying remarks directed at Samklef.
The second count accuses him of releasing offensive and obscene videos on or about October 29, 2023, targeting Iyabo Ojo. In the video, VDM allegedly claimed that the actress was involved in an indecent sexual relationship with her daughter.
The third count relates to a post made on January 19, 2024, in which he accused Tonto Dikeh of criminally converting funds raised through the Justice for Mohbad Movement and alleged she was behind the controversial Gistlover blog.
In the fourth count, VDM is alleged to have, on March 19, 2024, published videos containing insulting and disparaging remarks about Deputy Inspectors General of Police and members of the National Assembly.
Following his re-arraignment, his legal counsel, Deji Adeyanju, requested that the defendant continue to enjoy the bail terms earlier granted by Justice Olajuwon. The bail, granted on June 10, 2024, is set at ₦10 million and requires two sureties, either employees of a reputable company or Level 17 officers in the federal civil service with at least three years of verified tax clearance.
The prosecution counsel, Victor Okoye, did not oppose the request, and Justice Liman upheld the existing bail conditions.
The case has been adjourned until July 24, 2025, for commencement of trial.
