Controversial social media figure Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), was re-arraigned on Thursday at the Federal High Court in Abuja on a five-count charge bordering on cyberbullying and defamation against several public figures
The Nigeria Police accused the outspoken activist of publishing offensive and defamatory content on his Instagram handle targeting celebrities including Nollywood stars Iyabo Ojo and Tonto Dikeh, and music producer Samuel Oguachuba (a.k.a. Samklef). The charges also include alleged derogatory comments aimed at senior police officers and lawmakers.
VDM pleaded not guilty to all charges before Justice Musa Liman, who now presides over the case following the transfer of Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon to another division. Otse had previously been arraigned on the same charges in May 2024 and was granted ₦10 million bail with stringent conditions.
According to court documents (Charge No: FHC/ABJ/CR/140/2024), VDM is alleged to have:
- October 13, 2023: Posted a video targeting Samklef with threatening and bullying remarks.
- October 29, 2023: Published an “obscene and indecent” video alleging Iyabo Ojo was involved in an inappropriate relationship with her daughter.
- January 19, 2024: Accused Tonto Dikeh of fraudulently diverting funds from the #JusticeForMohbad movement and claimed she was behind the gossip blog Gistlover.
- March 19, 2024: Shared insulting and offensive content targeting Deputy Inspectors General of Police and members of the National Assembly.
VDM’s lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, requested that the previously granted bail terms be retained. The prosecution did not object, and Justice Liman upheld the earlier bail conditions. The case was adjourned to July 24, 2025, for trial.
The charges fall under Section 24 of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, which criminalizes online harassment and the spread of harmful content.
