 has re-arraigned Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), a social media influencer, on allegations of cyberbullying several Nigerian celebrities, including actresses Iyabo Ojo and Tonto Dikeh.){kind=link}
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) has re-arraigned Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), a social media influencer, on allegations of cyberbullying several Nigerian celebrities, including actresses Iyabo Ojo and Tonto Dikeh.
VDM also faces accusations of online harassment directed at well-known Nigerian music producer and singer Samuel Oguachuba, also called Samklef.
The case was brought before Justice Musa Liman of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday, where VDM faced a five-count charge.
He pleaded not guilty to the allegations.
Represented by his lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, VDM requested that the court maintain the bail conditions previously set by Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon.
The prosecution, led by IGP’s counsel Victor Okoye, did not object. The court upheld the earlier bail arrangement and scheduled the trial for July 24.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), VDM was initially arraigned on May 22, 2024, before Justice Olajuwon on similar charges under the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act of 2015.
On June 10, 2024, he was granted bail of ₦10 million with two sureties required to be either employees of reputable companies or federal civil servants at Level 17 and above, with proof of tax compliance for three years.
The case, originally filed on March 28, 2024, under file number FHC/ABJ/CR/140/2024, was reassigned to Justice Liman following Justice Olajuwon’s transfer.
Details of the charges include an October 13, 2023 video posted on VDM’s Instagram handle “verydarkblackman” containing threatening messages targeting Samuel Oguachuba.
Another count accuses VDM of posting offensive and obscene content about Iyabo Ojo on October 29, 2023, including claims of inappropriate sexual conduct involving her daughter.
VDM is also alleged to have accused Tonto Dikeh on January 19, 2024, of criminally misusing funds raised for the Justice for Mobbad Movement and of being responsible for the Gistlover blog.
Additionally, on March 19, 2024, VDM is said to have shared videos insulting Deputy Inspector-Generals of Police and members of the National Assembly.