By Akpos Oje
Controversial social media activist Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), on Thursday pleaded not guilty to fresh cyberbullying charges during his re-arraignment at the Federal High Court in Abuja.
VDM, known for his outspoken online persona, is facing a five-count charge bordering on cyberbullying and the publication of alleged false information against notable personalities, including Nollywood actresses Iyabo Ojo and Tonto Dikeh, as well as music producer Samuel Oguachuba, popularly known as Samklef.
The re-arraignment came after the case, originally filed before Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon on May 22, 2024, was reassigned to Justice Musa Liman following Olajuwon’s transfer to another division of the court. The charges are under Section 24 of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015.
In one of the counts, the prosecution accuses VDM of knowingly publishing false claims on January 19, 2024, alleging that actress Tonto Dikeh was involved in the misappropriation of funds raised for the “Justice for Mobbad Movement” and was behind the anonymous blog, Gistlover. Another count alleges he posted videos containing offensive remarks about Deputy Inspectors General of Police and members of the National Assembly.
VDM, who was previously granted bail by Justice Olajuwon on June 10, 2024, in the sum of ₦10 million with stringent conditions, had his counsel, Deji Adeyanju, request that the same bail terms be upheld. The prosecution, represented by Victor Okoye, did not object.
Justice Liman granted the request, allowing VDM to remain on the existing bail, and adjourned the case until July 24, 2025, for the commencement of trial.
