Controversial social media personality, Martins Otse, better known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has been brought before a Federal High Court in Abuja once again, this time over allegations of cyberbullying involving several Nigerian celebrities, including Nollywood stars Iyabo Ojo and Tonto Dikeh.
According to a report by Naturenex, the Nigeria Police Force re-arraigned VDM on Thursday, May 15, 2025, before Justice Musa Liman on a five-count charge. The activist, however, pleaded not guilty to all the charges brought against him.
In addition to the accusations involving the two actresses, the police also charged him with cyberbullying Nigerian music producer and singer, Samuel Oguachuba, popularly known as Samklef, among others.
This latest arraignment comes shortly after VDM regained freedom from the custody of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), where he had been detained on unrelated fraud allegations.
His legal troubles originally began on May 22, 2024, when he was first arraigned before Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon on similar cybercrime-related charges under Section 24 of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015. He was initially remanded in custody but later secured bail on June 10, 2024, with bond conditions set at ₦10 million and two sureties, either reputable private sector workers or federal civil servants not below Level 17, with evidence of tax clearance for the past three years.
However, following Justice Olajuwon’s reassignment to another division of the Federal High Court, the case was transferred to Justice Musa Liman, who now presides over the matter under charge number FHC/ABJ/CR/140/2024.
According to court documents presented by the police:
Count 1: On or about October 13, 2023, VDM allegedly uploaded a video via his Instagram handle (@verydarkblackman) containing bullying and threatening language directed at Samklef.
Count 2: On or around October 29, 2023, he was accused of posting videos deemed offensive and obscene about actress Iyabo Ojo, in which he reportedly claimed she had an indecent sexual relationship with her daughter.
Count 3: On January 19, 2024, VDM allegedly spread false claims suggesting that Tonto Dikeh embezzled funds raised for the Justice for Mohbad Movement and that she operated the anonymous blog “Gistlover.”
Count 4: On March 19, 2024, he allegedly posted videos containing “insulting and annoying remarks” about Deputy Inspectors General of Police and members of the National Assembly.
During Thursday’s court session, VDM’s counsel, Deji Adeyanju, appealed for the continuation of his client’s existing bail conditions. The police prosecutor, Victor Okoye, did not oppose the application.
Justice Liman granted the request, allowing VDM to remain free on his earlier bail terms. The judge then adjourned the trial to July 24, 2025.
