Police on Thursday re-arraigned Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), before a Federal High Court in Abuja for allegedly cyberbullying several Nigerian celebrities, including Nollywood actresses Iyabo Ojo and Tonto Dikeh.
The social media influencer is also accused of cyberbullying Samuel Oguachuba, a well-known Nigerian music producer and singer, popularly called Samklef. VDM appeared before Justice Musa Liman to face a five-count charge, to which he pleaded not guilty.
VDM was initially arraigned on May 22, 2024, before Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon for the same allegations under Section 24 of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015. After being held in custody, he was granted bail of ₦10 million on June 10, 2024, with strict bail conditions.
These conditions required two sureties who must be either employees of a reputable company or federal civil servants at Level 17 or above, supported by proof of tax clearance for three years.
The charges, filed on March 28, 2024, with case number FHC/ABJ/CR/140/2024, were reassigned to Justice Liman after Justice Olajuwon was transferred to another court division.
In the first charge, VDM is accused of posting a video on October 13, 2023, on his Instagram handle (@verydarkblackman), containing threatening and bullying remarks directed at Samuel Oguachuba.
The second count claims that on October 29, 2023, VDM uploaded videos with offensive and menacing content aimed at actress Iyabo Ojo. In one video, he allegedly stated that “one Iyabo Ojo is having an indecent sexual relationship with her daughter.”
In the third count, it is alleged that on January 19, 2024, VDM published a false statement accusing Tonto Dikeh of illegally converting funds raised through the “Justice for Mobbad Movement” crowdfunding and being responsible for the Gistlover blog.
The fourth charge involves a video posted on March 19, 2024, where VDM reportedly insulted the Deputy Inspectors General of Police and lawmakers of the National Assembly.
Following the re-arraignment, VDM’s lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, asked the court to allow his client to remain on the same bail terms granted earlier by Justice Olajuwon. The police counsel, Victor Okoye, did not oppose the request.
Justice Liman agreed to keep the existing bail conditions and adjourned the trial to July 24, 2025.
