Controversial social media critic Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), was on Thursday re-arraigned before a Federal High Court in Abuja over a string of cyberbullying charges involving high-profile celebrities, including Nollywood actresses Tonto Dikeh and Iyabo Ojo, and music producer Samuel Oguachuba (Samklef).
The outspoken activist, known for his fiery Instagram rants, was docked on a five-count charge bordering on cyberstalking, online harassment, and publication of false and offensive materials, all punishable under Section 24 of the Cybercrime Act, 2015.
VDM pleaded not guilty before Justice Musa Liman, who now presides over the case following the reassignment from Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon, transferred to another division.
The charges, filed by the Nigeria Police and marked FHC/ABJ/CR/140/2024, stem from a series of viral videos posted by VDM between October 2023 and March 2024 on his Instagram account @verydarkblackman.
Among the allegations:
- He threatened and bullied Samklef in a post dated October 13, 2023.
- He accused Iyabo Ojo of having an "indecent sexual relationship with her daughter" in an October 29, 2023 video.
- He claimed Tonto Dikeh misappropriated funds raised for the Justice for Mohbad Movement and alleged she was behind the notorious gossip blog Gistlover.
- He also insulted top police officials and National Assembly lawmakers in a March 19, 2024 post.
VDM was initially arraigned on May 22, 2024, and later granted ₦10 million bail with strict conditions, including two Level-17 civil service sureties. His lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, requested that the earlier bail be retained — a move unopposed by the prosecution.
Justice Liman upheld the bail conditions and adjourned the case to July 24, 2025, for trial.
The case continues to stoke debate online, with supporters praising VDM’s blunt activism while critics argue he often crosses legal and ethical lines. As the court date looms, all eyes remain on the influencer whose brand is controversy itself.
