The Inspector-General of Police has re-arraigned social media influencer, Martins Otse, known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), before Justice Musa Liman of the Federal High Court in Abuja over allegations of cyberbullying actresses Iyabo Ojo, Tonto Dikeh, and music producer Samuel ‘Samklef’ Oguachuba.
Content creator Otse, popularly known as VDM (VeryDarkMan), was re-arraigned on Thursday before Justice Liman of the Federal High Court on a five-count charge involving cyberstalking and the alleged spread of offensive content via his social media platforms. He pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
VDM’s lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, urged the court to allow his client to remain on the bail terms previously granted by Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon of another court. The prosecution, led by Victor Okoye representing the Inspector-General of Police, did not oppose the request.
Justice Liman granted the application, allowing VDM to continue on his initial bail, and adjourned the trial to 24 July 2025.
VDM was first arraigned on 22 May 2024 before Justice Olajuwon on the same charges, which fall under Section 24 of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Act, 2015. He was remanded before being granted bail on 10 June 2024 for ₦10 million, with two sureties—either employees of reputable firms or senior federal civil servants at Level 17 or above, each with evidence of three years of tax payments.
The case was reassigned to Justice Liman after Justice Olajuwon was transferred to another division of the Federal High Court.
Breakdown of the Charges
- Count One: VDM allegedly shared a video on 13 October 2023 via his Instagram handle (@verydarkblackman), containing threatening and bullying remarks targeted at music producer Samklef.
- Count Two: On 29 October 2023, he was accused of posting videos described as offensive, pornographic, and obscene, allegedly directed at actress Iyabo Ojo. In one clip, he reportedly claimed that “one Iyabo Ojo is having an indecent sexual relationship with her daughter.”
- Count Three: On 19 January 2024, he allegedly published false claims via Instagram, accusing actress Tonto Dikeh of misappropriating funds from the “Justice for Mohbad” campaign and operating the anonymous blog ‘Gistlover.’
- Count Four: On 19 March 2024, VDM was accused of posting content deemed insulting and annoying to Deputy Inspectors-General of Police and members of the National Assembly.
The trial is scheduled to commence in July, with public attention expected to remain high due to the nature of the allegations and the high-profile individuals involved.
