Popular social media influencer Martins Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), was re-arraigned on Thursday by the Inspector-General of Police for allegedly cyberbullying Nigerian celebrities, including actresses Iyabo Ojo and Tonto Dikeh.
VDM appeared before Justice Musa Liman at the Federal High Court in Abuja on a five-count charge. He pleaded not guilty.
His lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, asked the court to let VDM remain on the same bail conditions given earlier by Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon, who previously handled the case. The prosecutor, Victor Okoye, did not oppose the request. Justice Liman agreed and adjourned the case to July 24 for trial.
VDM was first arraigned on May 22, 2024, and was granted bail on June 10. The bail was set at N10 million with two sureties who must be either senior civil servants or workers at a reputable company, with proof of paying taxes for three years.
The case was reassigned to Justice Liman after Justice Olajuwon was transferred to another division.
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According to the charge, VDM allegedly posted a video on Instagram on October 13, 2023, containing threatening and harassing comments aimed at music producer Samklef.
On October 29, 2023, he was also accused of posting another video that was “grossly offensive” and claimed that “Iyabo Ojo is having an indecent sexual relationship with her daughter.”
Another count accused him of falsely saying that Tonto Dikeh stole money from a fundraising campaign for the late singer Mohbad and that she was behind the popular blog Gistlover.
In the final count, VDM was said to have posted a video on March 19, 2024, insulting top police officers and lawmakers, which was considered offensive.
The police said all the posts were made using his Instagram handle “verydarkblackman” and violated the Cybercrime Act of 2015.
Speaking to journalists outside the court, VDM’s lawyer said, “My client is ready to defend himself and prove his innocence. He only speaks the truth, and that is not a crime.”
The case continues on July 24.