Social media activist Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has been re-arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja over new cyberbullying allegations involving multiple public figures, including actresses Iyabo Ojo and Tonto Dikeh.
VDM appeared before Justice Musa Liman on Thursday, May 15, 2025, where he pleaded not guilty to a five-count charge filed by the Nigeria Police Force. The charges also involve alleged harassment of music producer Samklef and online comments directed at senior police officers and members of the National Assembly.
This fresh arraignment follows VDM’s recent release from EFCC custody over separate fraud-related investigations. He was initially arraigned in May 2024 and granted bail on June 10, 2024, under strict conditions, including a ₦10 million bond and two sureties.
With the reassignment of the original trial judge, Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon, the case—now under charge number FHC/ABJ/CR/140/2024—has been transferred to Justice Liman’s court.
Details of the charges include:
- Count 1: Alleged cyberbullying of Samklef via an Instagram video posted on October 13, 2023.
- Count 2: Publishing offensive content against Iyabo Ojo on October 29, 2023, including claims of inappropriate conduct.
- Count 3: Spreading false allegations on January 19, 2024, accusing Tonto Dikeh of misappropriating funds and operating the “Gistlover” blog.
- Count 4: Insulting Deputy Inspectors General of Police and National Assembly members in a March 19, 2024 post.
VDM’s lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, requested that his client continue on existing bail terms, a motion unopposed by the prosecution. Justice Liman granted the request and adjourned the case to July 24, 2025 for further hearing.
