Controversial social media personality, Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has been re-arraigned by the Nigeria Police Force over allegations of cyberbullying top Nigerian celebrities and public officials.
VDM was brought before Justice Musa Liman of the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday on a five-count charge bordering on online harassment, cyberstalking, and offensive publications. The charges involve actresses Iyabo Ojo and Tonto Dikeh, music producer Samklef, and senior police officers.
The case was re-assigned to Justice Liman after the previous judge, Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon, was transferred to another division. Otse had earlier been arraigned on the same charges on May 22, 2024, and was granted N10 million bail on June 10.
VDM pleaded not guilty to all counts. His lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, asked the court to let his client continue under the existing bail conditions, which the prosecution did not oppose. The judge granted the request and adjourned the case to July 24 for trial.
According to the charges, Otse allegedly posted offensive and defamatory content on his Instagram page between October 2023 and March 2024. One of the counts accuses him of stating that “Iyabo Ojo is having an indecent sexual relationship with her daughter.” He is also alleged to have accused actress Tonto Dikeh of misappropriating funds raised for the Justice for Mohbad Movement and of secretly running the controversial Gistlover blog.
In another count, VDM allegedly posted videos insulting high-ranking police officers and members of the National Assembly.
The charges were filed under Section 24 of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015.
VDM has remained a polarising figure on social media, known for his outspoken videos and confrontations with celebrities. The trial is expected to attract significant public interest.
