The Inspector-General of Police on Thursday re-arraigned popular social media influencer Martins Otse, known online as VeryDarkMan (VDM), before the Federal High Court in Abuja on charges of cyberbullying several public figures, including actresses Iyabo Ojo and Tonto Dikeh.
VDM also faces allegations of cyberbullying music producer Samuel Oguachuba (popularly known as Samklef) and other individuals.
He was brought before Justice Musa Liman on a five-count charge, to which he pleaded not guilty.
VDM’s lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, requested that his client continue under the bail conditions previously granted by Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon of a sister court. The prosecution, represented by Victor Okoye, did not oppose the request.
Justice Liman upheld the existing bail terms and adjourned the case to July 24 for trial.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that VDM was first arraigned on May 22, 2024, before Justice Olajuwon for offenses under Section 24 of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015.
He was later granted bail on June 10, 2024, in the sum of ₦10 million with two sureties who must either be senior federal civil servants or employees of reputable firms with valid tax records.
The case, initially marked FHC/ABJ/CR/140/2024 and filed on March 28, was reassigned to Justice Liman after Justice Olajuwon was transferred to another division.
The charges include publishing offensive and harassing content via Instagram on various dates.
In one instance, VDM allegedly posted a video on October 13, 2023, targeting Samklef with threatening language.
Another charge relates to an October 29, 2023, post allegedly containing obscene and offensive claims about Iyabo Ojo, including accusations of inappropriate conduct involving her daughter.
Further allegations claim that on January 19, 2024, VDM falsely accused Tonto Dikeh of misusing funds meant for the Justice for Mohbad campaign and being behind the controversial Gistlover blog. Additionally, on March 19, 2024, he allegedly posted videos criticizing senior police officials and National Assembly members in a manner deemed insulting.