THE INSPECTOR General of Police (IGP) on Thursday re-arraigned social media influencer, Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), before Justice Musa Liman of the Federal High Court in Abuja.
The defendant faces a five-count charge bordering on alleged cyberbullying against Iyabo Ojo, Tonto Dikeh and music producer Samuel Oguachuba (Samklef), among others.
VDM pleaded not guilty to the charges.
His counsel, Deji Adeyanju, requested that the court uphold the bail conditions previously granted by Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon of a sister court. The prosecution, led by Victor Okoye, did not object, and Justice Liman granted the request, adjourning the case to July 24 for trial.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), VDM was initially arraigned on May 22, 2024, before Justice Olajuwon for similar offenses under Section 24 of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015.
He was remanded and later granted bail on June 10, 2024, with stringent conditions, including two sureties who must either be employees of reputable companies or federal civil servants at Level 17, with proof of three years’ tax clearance.
The case was reassigned to Justice Liman following Justice Olajuwon’s transfer to another division of the Federal High Court.
Details of the Charges
The charges, marked “FHC/ABJ/CR/140/2024,” include allegations that VDM threatened and harassed Samuel Oguachuba via a video posted on his Instagram handle (verydarkblackman) on October 13, 2023; posted offensive and defamatory content against actress Iyabo Ojo on October 29, 2023, falsely alleging an indecent relationship with her daughter; falsely accused Tonto Dikeh on January 19, 2024, of misappropriating funds from a crowdfunding campaign and being linked to the Gistlover blog; and, published insulting content against Deputy Inspectors-General of Police (DIGs) and National Assembly lawmakers on March 19, 2024.
The case continues as the court sets a trial date for July 24, 2024. (NAN)
