Abuja, Nigeria — Social media personality and activist Martins Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), was re-arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja by the Nigeria Police on allegations of cyberbullying.
VDM appeared before Justice Musa Liman on a five-count charge bordering on cyberstalking and offensive publications, involving Nigerian entertainment figures Iyabo Ojo, Tonto Dikeh, and Samuel Oguachuba (popularly known as Samklef), among others.
This re-arraignment follows a procedural reassignment of the case originally filed under charge number FHC/ABJ/CR/140/2024 after Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon, who had initially presided over the matter, was transferred to another division.
The charges were originally brought to court on March 28, 2024.
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VDM, who had earlier been granted bail on June 10, 2024, pleaded not guilty to all counts.
His counsel, Deji Adeyanju, moved that the previously granted bail conditions set at ₦10 million with two sureties, each being a federal Level 17 civil servant or reputable company employee be retained.
Police prosecutor Victor Okoye did not oppose the motion. In agreement, Justice Liman affirmed the existing bail terms and adjourned the matter to July 24, 2025, for commencement of trial.
The charges allege various online publications made by VDM between October 2023 and March 2024, which the police claim were intended to harass, bully, or defame the named individuals. The offences are contrary to Section 24 of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015.
The court is expected to begin hearing evidence next year, as the case continues to test the legal boundaries of digital expression and defamation under Nigerian law.
