Popular social media commentator, Martins Otse, better known as VeryDarkMan, VDM, was on Thursday re-arraigned before Justice Musa Liman of the Federal High Court in Abuja on a five-count charge bordering on alleged cyberbullying.
VDM is accused of using his Instagram platform to post offensive, obscene, and false content aimed at Nigerian celebrities, including actresses Iyabo Ojo and Tonto Dikeh, as well as music producer Samuel Oguachuba, popularly known as Samklef.
He also allegedly made derogatory posts targeting Deputy Inspectors-General of Police and members of the National Assembly.
According to the charge sheet, one of the counts alleges that VDM, on October 13, 2023, intentionally published harassing and bullying remarks about Samklef. On October 29, he reportedly posted offensive content accusing Iyabo Ojo of an inappropriate relationship involving her daughter.
On January 19, 2024, he allegedly accused actress Tonto Dikeh of misappropriating funds raised for the late singer Mobhad’s justice campaign and operating the controversial “Gistlover” blog.
READ ALSO:EFCC releases activist VeryDarkMan on bail
The case, originally filed as **FHC/ABJ/CR/140/2024**, was previously before Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon, who had granted VDM bail in June 2024 under stringent conditions, including a N10 million bond and two sureties from reputable organizations or top federal officers. The case was re-assigned to Justice Liman following Justice Olajuwon’s transfer.
VDM pleaded not guilty to the new charges. His legal counsel, Deji Adeyanju asked the court to retain the existing bail terms—a request the prosecution did not oppose. Justice Liman upheld the bail and adjourned the case to July 24, 2025 for the commencement of trial.
The charges stem from Section 24 of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, which prohibits the use of computer systems for offensive, false, or menacing content.
As the case resumes in July, all eyes will be on how the court navigates the balance between free speech and responsible digital conduct in Nigeria’s fast-evolving social media.
NAN
