ABUJA, May 16, 2025 — Social media personality Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), was on Thursday re-arraigned before a Federal High Court in Abuja on a five-count charge bordering on alleged cyberbullying of prominent Nigerian celebrities.

The controversial influencer, known for his outspoken commentary, is accused of using his social media platforms to cyberbully Nollywood actresses Iyabo Ojo and Tonto Dikeh, as well as music producer Samuel Oguachuba, better known as Samklef, among others.

VDM was re-arraigned before Justice Musa Liman after the case, previously handled by Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon, was reassigned due to her transfer to another division of the court. He pleaded not guilty to all charges brought against him.

The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/140/2024, was filed by the police on March 28, 2024, under Section 24 of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015.

According to court documents, the first count alleges that on or about October 13, 2023, VDM posted a video on his Instagram page (@verydarkblackman) containing threatening and bullying content directed at Samklef. The second count claims that on October 29, 2023, he shared videos deemed grossly offensive and indecent, specifically alleging an inappropriate sexual relationship involving actress Iyabo Ojo and her daughter.

In the third count, Otse is accused of falsely claiming in a January 19, 2024 post that actress Tonto Dikeh was involved in the criminal misappropriation of funds raised during the Justice for Mohbad campaign and that she operated the controversial blog, Gistlover.

The fourth count relates to remarks allegedly made on March 19, 2024, in which he is said to have made “insulting and annoying” comments about Deputy Inspectors General of Police and members of the National Assembly.

VDM was initially arraigned on May 22, 2024, and remanded in custody. He was later granted bail on June 10, 2024, in the sum of ₦10 million, with conditions requiring two sureties who must be senior federal civil servants or employees of a reputable firm, with verifiable tax records.

At Thursday’s proceedings, VDM’s lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, requested that the existing bail conditions granted by Justice Olajuwon be retained. Police counsel Victor Okoye did not oppose the application, and Justice Liman granted the request, allowing the defendant to remain on bail.

The case was adjourned until July 24, 2025, for commencement of trial.