Controversial Nigerian social media activist and influencer, Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), was re-arraigned on Thursday before a Federal High Court in Abuja on five fresh counts of cyberbullying and online harassment against celebrities Iyabo Ojo, Tonto Dikeh, Samklef, and others.
The fresh charges stem from accusations that VDM used his Instagram platform to publish content deemed offensive, false, and damaging.
The case was brought before Justice Musa Liman following the transfer of the previous trial judge, Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon, who had earlier arraigned VDM on May 22, 2024. The influencer pleaded not guilty to all five charges.
According to the case file, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/140/2024 and filed on March 28, VDM is alleged to have made a series of offensive and threatening Instagram posts. On October 13, 2023, he reportedly released a video targeting singer and producer Samklef.
Two weeks later, on October 29, he allegedly accused Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo of having an inappropriate relationship with her daughter.
Then on January 19, 2024, he was said to have made false claims against actress Tonto Dikeh, accusing her of mismanaging funds raised for the #JusticeForMohbad campaign and claiming she runs the anonymous gossip blog Gistlover.
The prosecution also claims that on March 19, 2024, VDM made social media posts insulting high-ranking Nigerian police officers and members of the National Assembly.
In court, his lawyer, human rights activist Deji Adeyanju, requested that VDM’s previously granted bail of ₦10 million — along with conditions requiring two sureties of high repute — be retained.
The prosecuting lawyer, Faith Dimka, did not oppose the request. Justice Liman approved the continuation of the bail terms and adjourned the matter until July 24, 2025, for trial.
The case has stirred public interest and debate on the limits of free speech and accountability for online content creators in Nigeria.
Many are watching closely to see if this trial will become a defining moment in the regulation of cyber conduct in the country.