Controversial social media personality Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), was re-arraigned on Thursday before the Federal High Court in Abuja on charges of cyberbullying prominent Nigerian entertainers, including Nollywood actresses Iyabo Ojo and Tonto Dikeh.
VDM also faces allegations of cyberbullying Nigerian music producer and singer Samuel Oguachuba, better known as Samklef, along with others.
He appeared before Justice Musa Liman on a five-count charge, to which he pleaded not guilty.
The social activist was initially arraigned on May 22, 2024, before Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon on the same charges, which are alleged to violate Section 24 of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015. He was remanded in custody but later released on June 10, 2024, after meeting bail conditions set at ₦10 million, with two sureties—either reputable company employees or federal civil servants of at least Level 17, with proof of three years’ tax clearance.
The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/140/2024 and filed on March 28, was reassigned to Justice Liman following the transfer of Justice Olajuwon to another court division.
Summary of Allegations:
-
Count 1: On or about October 13, 2023, VDM allegedly published a video on Instagram containing threatening and bullying content directed at Samklef.
-
Count 2: On or around October 29, 2023, he allegedly posted videos deemed grossly offensive and indecent, targeting Iyabo Ojo, including a claim that she was involved in an inappropriate sexual relationship with her daughter.
-
Count 3: On January 19, 2024, VDM is accused of falsely alleging that Tonto Dikeh misappropriated funds raised for the “Justice for Mohbad” movement and claimed she was behind the anonymous Gistlover blog.
-
Count 4: On March 19, 2024, he allegedly shared videos containing insulting and disparaging remarks about Deputy Inspectors General of Police and members of the National Assembly.
Following the re-arraignment, VDM’s lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, requested that his client be allowed to continue under the bail conditions previously granted. Prosecuting counsel Victor Okoye did not oppose the application.
Justice Liman agreed to maintain the existing bail terms and adjourned the case to July 24, 2025, for trial.