Controversial social media critic, Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, was re-arraigned on Thursday by the police before a Federal High Court in Abuja over alleged cyberbullying of Nollywood actresses Iyabo Ojo and Tonto Dikeh.
In addition, the social activist is charged with cyberbullying others, including Nigerian artist and producer Samuel Oguachuba, also known as Samklef.
VeryDarkMan appeared before Justice Musa Liman to face a five-count charge and pleaded not guilty to all the allegations.
It is important to note that VeryDarkMan was initially arraigned on May 22, 2024, before Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon for the same charges, which violate Section 24 of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, and carry corresponding penalties.
READ MORE: ‘I’m Most Criticized Celebrity In Nigeria Due To My Father’s Wealth’ – Davido
He was initially held in custody but was later granted bail of ₦10 million on June 10, 2024. The bail terms stipulated that he must provide two sureties, each either employed by a reputable company or holding a Level 17 position in the federal civil service, along with proof of three years’ tax clearance.
The charges, filed on March 28, 2024, under case number FHC/ABJ/CR/140/2024, were reassigned to Justice Liman after Justice Olajuwon was transferred to a different division of the Federal High Court.
In the first count, VeryDarkMan is accused of intentionally posting a video on his Instagram account (@verydarkblackman) around October 13, 2023, which contained threatening and bullying comments directed at Samuel Oguachuba.
The second count alleges that on or about October 29, 2023, he deliberately shared videos on his Instagram account that included highly offensive, indecent, obscene, or threatening content targeting Iyabo Ojo.
In the video, VeryDarkMan is said to have claimed that “one Iyabo Ojo is having an indecent sexual relationship with her daughter.”
In the third count, VeryDarkMan is alleged to have knowingly published a false statement on January 19, 2024, 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.”
The fourth count alleges that on March 19, 2024, the defendant deliberately uploaded videos on his Instagram account featuring insulting and provocative comments directed at the Deputy Inspectors General of Police and members of the National Assembly.
Following the re-arraignment before Justice Liman, VDM’s lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, asked that his client be allowed to continue on the bail terms originally set by Justice Olajuwon.
Police counsel Victor Okoye raised no objection to the request.
Justice Liman confirmed the existing bail conditions and scheduled the trial for July 24, 2025.
