IGP re-arraigns social media influencer VeryDarkMan for alleged cyberbullying
The Inspector-General of Police has re-arraigned controversial social media influencer Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), before Justice Musa Liman of the Federal High Court in Abuja on charges related to cyberbullying and the dissemination of offensive content.
Otse, who was brought before the court on a five-count charge, is accused of cyberstalking Nollywood actresses Iyabo Ojo and Tonto Dikeh, as well as music producer Samuel ‘Samklef’ Oguachuba. He pleaded not guilty to all charges.
His lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, requested that the court maintain the bail conditions previously granted by Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon. The prosecution counsel, Victor Okoye, representing the Inspector-General of Police, did not oppose the application.
Justice Liman granted the request and allowed Otse to remain on the earlier bail terms. The case was adjourned to July 24, 2025, for trial commencement.
VDM was initially arraigned on May 22, 2024, before Justice Olajuwon under Section 24 of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Act, 2015. He was granted bail on June 10, 2024, in the sum of ₦10 million with two sureties who must be senior federal civil servants or employees of reputable organizations, with three years’ tax clearance.
The case was reassigned to Justice Liman following Justice Olajuwon’s transfer to another division of the Federal High Court.
