By Joy Yesufu
Social media personality Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), was on Thursday re-arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja on a five-count charge of cyberbullying and defamation.
The charges stem from alleged online attacks against several public figures, including Nollywood actresses Iyabo Ojo, Tonto Dikeh, and music producer Samuel Oguachuba (aka Samklef).
VDM was re-arraigned before Justice Musa Liman, following the transfer of the case from Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon, who initially presided over the matter.
VDM pleaded not guilty to all counts in the case being prosecuted by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP.
His counsel, Deji Adeyanju, requested that the court allow his client to continue on the bail earlier granted by Justice Olajuwon. The prosecution counsel, Victor Okoye, did not object.
Consequently, Justice Liman ruled that VDM should remain on the same bail terms and adjourned the matter to July 24, 2025, for trial.
VDM was initially arraigned on May 22, 2024, and later granted bail on June 10, 2024, in the sum of ₦10 million, with two sureties who must be senior federal civil servants (Level 17 or above) or employees of reputable organizations, along with proof of three years’ tax clearance.
According to the charge sheet (FHC/ABJ/CR/140/2024):
In count one, VDM is accused of posting a video on October 13, 2023, via his Instagram handle, containing threatening and harassing statements aimed at Samklef.
In count two, dated October 29, 2023, he allegedly posted offensive and obscene content targeting Iyabo Ojo, including claims of an “indecent sexual relationship” involving the actress and her daughter.
Count three accuses him of falsely alleging, via a January 19, 2024 video, that Tonto Dikeh misappropriated funds raised for the “Justice for Mohbad” campaign and was behind the anonymous gossip blog, Gistlover.
In count four, VDM is said to have posted videos on March 19, 2024, containing insulting and “annoying” remarks directed at Deputy Inspectors-General of Police and members of the National Assembly.
The charges are in violation of Section 24 of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, which criminalizes the use of computer systems to disseminate offensive, defamatory, or threatening content.
