IGP Re-Arraigns VeryDarkMan for Alleged Cyberbullying of Iyabo Ojo, Tonto Dikeh, Samklef

Martins Otse, popularly called VeryDarkMan (VDM)

The Inspector-General of Police has re-arraigned controversial social media personality Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), before the Federal High Court in Abuja on allegations of cyberbullying multiple public figures, including Nollywood actresses Iyabo Ojo and Tonto Dikeh, as well as music producer Samuel Oguachuba, popularly known as Samklef.

VDM was brought before Justice Musa Liman on a five-count charge bordering on cyberstalking and offensive publication under the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015. He pleaded not guilty to all charges.

VDM’s legal representative, Deji Adeyanju, urged the court to allow his client to continue enjoying the bail earlier granted by Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon of a sister court. The prosecution counsel representing the IGP, Victor Okoye, did not object to the request. Justice Liman consequently ruled that the defendant be allowed to remain on the original bail terms and adjourned the case until July 24, 2025, for trial.

VDM was initially arraigned on May 22, 2024, before Justice Olajuwon on similar charges. He was remanded in custody and later granted bail on June 10, 2024, in the sum of ₦10 million with two sureties. The sureties were required to be employees of reputable organizations or Level 17 federal civil servants with proof of three years' tax clearance. The case was re-assigned to Justice Liman following Justice Olajuwon’s redeployment to another judicial division.

The charge, numbered FHC/ABJ/CR/140/2024, outlines various alleged cyber offences committed between October 2023 and March 2024.

In count one, VDM is accused of using his Instagram handle, verydarkblackman, to intentionally publish threatening and bullying content directed at Samklef on or about October 13, 2023.

In count two, he allegedly posted grossly offensive and obscene material on October 29, 2023, claiming that “one Ivabo Ojo is having an indecent sexual relationship with her daughter.”

Count three details a January 19, 2024 video in which VDM allegedly accused Tonto Dikeh of criminally converting funds from the Justice for Mohbad Movement and falsely claimed she was the person behind the anonymous gossip blog Gistlover.

In count four, dated March 19, 2024, the defendant is said to have posted content targeting Deputy Inspector-Generals of Police and members of the National Assembly with allegedly insulting and annoying commentary.

The case continues to draw significant public attention due to the high-profile individuals involved and the broader implications for social media conduct and cybercrime enforcement in Nigeria.