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ABUJA – Controversial social media activist Martins Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), found himself re-arraigned on Thursday. He appeared before Justice Musa Liman at the Federal High Court in Abuja to answer to five counts of cyberbullying. The ongoing VeryDarkMan re-arraigned on cyberbullying charges specifically detail alleged targeted online attacks against prominent figures in Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
The prosecution has named Nollywood actresses Iyabo Ojo and Tonto Dikeh, along with producer and singer Samuel Oguachuba (Samklef), as the individuals allegedly targeted by VDM. According to one specific charge, VDM posted a video on October 13, 2023, which reportedly contained “threatening and bullying remarks aimed at Samuel Oguachuba” via his Instagram page. VeryDarkMan pleaded not guilty to all five charges brought against him.
Disturbing Allegations and Freedom of Expression Defense
The core of the VeryDarkMan re-arraigned rests on a series of Instagram videos where VDM is accused of making highly offensive and disturbing claims. For instance, an October 29, 2023, post allegedly contained “grossly offensive, indecent, obscene or menacing information” concerning Iyabo Ojo. This included the grave allegation that “one Iyabo Ojo is having an indecent sexual relationship with her daughter.”
Another count, dated January 19, 2024, accuses VDM of falsely asserting 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.” While these are serious accusations, VDM’s legal counsel, Deji Adeyanju, maintains that his client’s posts fall under the constitutional right to freedom of expression.
Court Decision: Bail Conditions Maintained, Trial Adjourned
This is not VeryDarkMan’s first court appearance for these matters. He was initially arraigned in May 2024, at which time Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon granted him bail. The bail was set under strict conditions, including a ₦10 million bond and the provision of two reputable sureties. Following Justice Olajuwon’s subsequent transfer to a different judicial division, the case was reassigned to Justice Liman.
On Thursday, Justice Liman ruled that the defendant, Otse, could continue on the previously established bail terms. This decision came after an application by VDM’s counsel, which the police prosecutor, Victor Okoye, did not oppose. The trial related to the VeryDarkMan re-arraigned on cyberbullying charges has now been adjourned until July 24, 2025.
By Abiodun Labi
