Controversial social media influencer Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has been re-arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja on charges of cyberbullying several Nigerian celebrities. The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) brought the charges, accusing VDM of posting offensive online content targeting actresses Iyabo Ojo and Tonto Dikeh, as well as music producer Samuel Oguachuba, also known as Samklef.
VDM pleaded not guilty to the five-count charge. His lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, requested that the court allow his client to continue on the bail previously granted by Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon of a sister court. The prosecution counsel, Victor Okoye, did not oppose the request, and Justice Musa Liman upheld the previous bail conditions, adjourning the trial to July 24.
VDM was initially arraigned on May 22, 2024, before Justice Olajuwon on similar charges under the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015. He was granted bail of ₦10 million on June 10, 2024, with two sureties who must be reputable company employees or federal civil servants at Level 17 or above, with proof of tax clearance for the last three years.
The charges against VDM include:
- Count One: Posting a video on Instagram containing threatening and bullying remarks directed at Samuel Oguachuba on October 13, 2023.
- Count Two: Posting offensive and obscene content about Iyabo Ojo on October 29, 2023, including false allegations about her personal life.
- Count Three: Publishing videos accusing Tonto Dikeh of misappropriating funds raised for the Justice for Mobbad Movement on January 19, 2024.
- Count Four: Posting insulting videos targeting Deputy Inspector-Generals of Police and members of the National Assembly on March 19, 2024.
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