VeryDarkMan Re-Arraigned Over Alleged Cyberbullying Of Iyabo Ojo, Others

By Joshua Omoniyi | Updated May 15, 2025

Social media influencer Martins Otse, better known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), was re-arraigned today before Justice Musa Liman of the Federal High Court in Abuja on a five-count charge of cyberstalking and disseminating offensive content against high-profile Nigerian personalities. The Inspector-General of Police brought the charges following complaints by actresses Iyabo Ojo, Tonto Dikeh, and music producer Samuel “Samklef” Oguachuba.

Otse pleaded not guilty to all counts. His counsel, Deji Adeyanju, urged the court to allow VDM to remain on the ₦10 million bail previously granted by Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon, with two sureties who are either reputable organisation employees or federal civil servants at Level 17 or above. Prosecuting counsel Victor Okoye, representing the IGP, did not object, and Justice Liman reaffirmed the original bail terms.

The five-count charge sheet, filed under Section 24 of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, Etc.) Act, 2015, outlines the following allegations:

Count One (Oct 13, 2023): Posted a threatening video targeting Samklef on Instagram (@verydarkblackman).

Count Two (Oct 29, 2023): Shared offensive, indecent content accusing Iyabo Ojo of an inappropriate relationship with her daughter.

Count Three (Jan 19, 2024): Falsely claimed Tonto Dikeh misappropriated funds from the “Justice for Mohbad” crowdfunding campaign and ran the anonymous blog ‘Gistlover.’

Count Four (Mar 19, 2024): Posted content deemed insulting towards Deputy Inspectors-General of Police and National Assembly members.

Count Five: Additional instances of cyberstalking and offensive dissemination (details mirror earlier counts).

VDM was first arraigned on the same charges on May 22, 2024, and granted bail on June 10, 2024, but the case was transferred to Justice Liman following Justice Olajuwon’s reassignment. The trial is now slated to begin on July 24, 2025.

This re-arraignment underscores ongoing efforts by Nigerian authorities to curb cyberbullying and hold influencers accountable for online defamation. As the case progresses, all eyes will be on how the court balances freedom of expression with protections against harassment and false allegations.