The Nigeria Police Force has re-arraigned popular social media personality Martins Otse, known online as VeryDarkMan (VDM), before the Federal High Court in Abuja on fresh charges of cyberbullying several public figures, including Nollywood actresses Iyabo Ojo and Tonto Dikeh.
VDM is also accused of targeting music producer and singer Samuel Oguachuba, popularly known as Samklef, among others.
The re-arraignment took place on Thursday before Justice Musa Liman, where VDM pleaded not guilty to a five-count charge.
This follows an earlier arraignment on May 22, 2024, before Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon for the same offences, which fall under Section 24 of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015. Justice Olajuwon’s subsequent transfer led to the reassignment of the case, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/140/2024, to Justice Liman.
VDM was previously remanded in custody but was granted bail on June 10, 2024, in the sum of ₦10 million. The bail conditions require two sureties who must either be reputable company employees or senior federal civil servants (Level 17 or above), with verifiable tax clearance for three years.
According to the charges:
Count One alleges that on or around October 13, 2023, VDM posted a video via his Instagram account (@verydarkblackman) containing threats and bullying statements directed at Samklef.
Count Two claims that on October 29, 2023, he shared videos described as grossly offensive, obscene, and menacing, targeting Iyabo Ojo. In one such video, he allegedly accused the actress of having an inappropriate relationship with her daughter.
Count Three states that on January 19, 2024, VDM falsely claimed that Tonto Dikeh had criminally diverted funds raised for the “Justice for Mohbad” campaign and was the individual behind the anonymous blog Gistlover.
Count Four alleges that on March 19, 2024, he published videos containing derogatory 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 previously granted bail conditions. Prosecuting counsel Victor Okoye did not object, and Justice Liman granted the request.
The court adjourned the case until July 24, 2025, for trial.
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