Controversial social media activist, Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), was on Thursday re-arraigned before a Federal High Court in Abuja over fresh allegations of cyberbullying targeted at Nollywood actresses Iyabo Ojo, Tonto Dikeh, music producer Samklef, and others.
VDM, who has been vocal on social media for months, is facing a five-count charge bordering on cyberstalking and defamation. The case was brought before Justice Musa Liman, where the defendant pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The re-arraignment comes after the case, originally handled by Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon, was reassigned following her transfer to another division of the court. VDM was first arraigned on May 22, 2024, for the same offences, which the police say violate Section 24 of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015.
Following his initial arraignment, he was remanded in custody before being granted bail on June 10, 2024. The bail was set at ₦10 million with two sureties, either employees of a reputable company or civil servants not below Level 17, with evidence of three years’ tax clearance.
The charges, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/140/2024, were filed on March 28, 2024.
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In the first count, the police allege that on or about October 13, 2023, the defendant published a video on his Instagram handle (@verydarkblackman), containing threatening and bullying statements directed at music producer Samuel Oguachuba, popularly known as Samklef.
The second count accuses him of posting another video on October 29, 2023, where he allegedly made grossly offensive and obscene remarks about Iyabo Ojo. In the video, VDM reportedly claimed that “one Iyabo Ojo is having an indecent sexual relationship with her daughter.”
The third count alleges that on January 19, 2024, he falsely claimed that “King Tonto Dikeh is involved in the criminal conversion of the proceeds from the crowdfunding for the Justice for Mobbad Movement and is the person behind the Gistlover blog.”
The fourth count states that on March 19, 2024, VDM posted a video targeting senior police officers and members of the National Assembly with what the prosecution described as “insulting and annoying remarks.”
Meanwhile, VDM’s lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, asked the court to allow his client to remain on the bail terms earlier granted by Justice Olajuwon. Police prosecutor Victor Okoye did not oppose the request.
Justice Liman granted the prayer and adjourned the matter to July24, 2025, for trial.
