Controversial social media influencer Martins Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), was re-arraigned on Thursday before a Federal High Court in Abuja on a five-count charge of alleged cyberbullying.
The charges, brought by the Nigerian Police, accuse VDM of posting threatening and offensive content on Instagram aimed at celebrities including actresses Iyabo Ojo and Tonto Dikeh, as well as music producer Samklef. The accusations stem from videos he allegedly posted between October 2023 and March 2024, which authorities say contained false claims and offensive remarks.
VDM pleaded not guilty before Justice Musa Liman, who took over the case following Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon’s transfer. VDM had originally been arraigned in May 2024 and granted ₦10 million bail under strict conditions.
VDM’s lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, successfully requested that the existing bail terms be retained, a motion not opposed by the prosecution. Justice Liman upheld the terms and adjourned the trial to July 24, 2025.
