Police Re-Arraign VeryDarkMan for Alleged Cyberbullying of Iyabo Ojo, Tonto Dikeh, Samklef
On Thursday, May 15, 2025, controversial social media influencer Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), was re-arraigned by the police before the Federal High Court in Abuja over allegations of cyberbullying prominent Nollywood celebrities.
VDM faces a five-count charge relating to online harassment of actresses Iyabo Ojo and Tonto Dikeh, music producer Samklef (Samuel Oguachuba), and others. He pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
⚖️ Background of the Case
VDM was initially arraigned on May 22, 2024, before Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon under the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015. He was remanded in custody but granted ₦10 million bail on June 10, 2024 with strict surety requirements, including two individuals employed by reputable companies or federal civil servants at Level 17, backed by three years of tax clearance.
The case (marked FHC/ABJ/CR/140/2024) was reassigned to Justice Musa Liman following Olajuwon’s transfer to another division.
📽️ Details of the Charges
- Count 1 (October 13, 2023) – VDM allegedly posted a threatening video on Instagram (@verydarkblackman) targeting Samuel Oguachuba (Samklef).
- Count 2 (October 29, 2023) – He is accused of sharing offensive and obscene content about Iyabo Ojo, including an unsubstantiated claim of an indecent relationship involving her daughter.
- Count 3 (January 19, 2024) – VDM reportedly posted false accusations that Tonto Dikeh was guilty of criminally diverting crowdfunding proceeds for the Justice for Mobbad Movement and claimed she operated the infamous Gistlover blog.
- Count 4 (March 19, 2024) – The influencer allegedly made insulting remarks about Deputy Inspectors General of Police and Nigerian lawmakers, labeling them with annoying and disparaging statements.
🏛️ Court Proceedings and Adjournment
During Thursday’s hearing, VDM’s lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, requested that the court retain the original bail conditions. The prosecution counsel, Victor Okoye, did not object.
Justice Musa Liman upheld the previous bail terms and adjourned the trial to July 24, 2025.
