Social media influencer Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), was re-arraigned on Wednesday before Justice Musa Liman of the Federal High Court, Abuja, on charges of cyberstalking and the alleged dissemination of offensive content targeting celebrities.
The re-arraignment follows a five-count charge filed by the Inspector-General of Police, alleging that Otse cyberbullied actresses Iyabo Ojo and Tonto Dikeh, as well as music producer Samuel ‘Samklef’ Oguachuba, via his social media platforms. Otse pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Defence counsel Deji Adeyanju requested that his client be allowed to remain on the bail terms previously granted by Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon, who presided over the initial arraignment on 22 May 2024. The prosecution, led by Victor Okoye, did not object.
Justice Liman upheld the existing bail conditions and adjourned the case to 24 July 2025 for trial. The charges are in violation of Section 24 of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015.
