Controversial social media influencer, Martins Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), was re-arraigned on Thursday, May 15, 2025, before the Federal High Court in Abuja on charges of cyberbullying popular Nollywood actresses Iyabo Ojo and Tonto Dikeh, alongside music producer Samuel Oguachuba, also known as Samklef, and other public figures.
The re-arraignment took place before Justice Musa Liman, where VDM faced a five-count charge to which he pleaded not guilty.
This marks the continuation of a legal battle that began with his initial arraignment on May 22, 2024, before Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon for offences allegedly violating Section 24 of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015.
VDM was initially remanded in custody but secured bail of ₦10 million on June 10, 2024.
His bail conditions mandated two sureties who are either senior federal civil servants at Level 17 or employees of reputable companies, alongside proof of three years’ tax clearance.
The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/140/2024 and filed on March 28, 2024, was transferred to Justice Liman following Justice Olajuwon’s reassignment to another division of the Federal High Court.
In the first count, VDM is accused of publishing a video on his Instagram handle (@verydarkblackman) on October 13, 2023, containing threatening and bullying remarks aimed at Samklef.
The second count alleges that on October 29, 2023, VDM posted videos deemed offensive, obscene, and menacing against Iyabo Ojo. In the video, he reportedly accused Ojo of engaging in an “indecent sexual relationship with her daughter.”
For the third count, VDM is charged with knowingly publishing a false claim on January 19, 2024, alleging that “King Tonto Dikeh is involved in the criminal conversion of funds raised for the Justice for Mobbad Movement and is the mastermind behind the Gistlover blog.”
The fourth count accuses him of posting videos on March 19, 2024, in which he made insulting and offensive remarks about Deputy Inspectors General of Police and lawmakers in the National Assembly.
During the court proceedings, VDM’s counsel, Deji Adeyanju, requested that his client remain on the original bail terms granted by Justice Olajuwon. Police counsel, Victor Okoye, did not oppose the motion, and Justice Liman upheld the previous bail conditions.
The trial was subsequently adjourned to July 24, 2025.
