BREAKING: IGP Re-arraigns VDM for Allegedly Cyberbullying Iyabo Ojo, Tonto Dikeh, Others

Social media influencer Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has been re-arraigned before Justice Musa Liman of the Federal High Court in Abuja on a five-count charge of cyberstalking and dissemination of offensive content.

The Inspector-General of Police brought the case against Otse over alleged online harassment of actress Iyabo Ojo, actress Tonto Dikeh, and music producer Samuel ‘Samklef’ Oguachuba. Otse pleaded not guilty to all charges.

VDM was previously arraigned on the same charges on May 22, 2024, before Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon. However, the case was reassigned to Justice Liman following Justice Olajuwon’s transfer to another division of the court.

Bail Application and Court Decision

At the re-arraignment, Otse’s counsel, Deji Adeyanju, requested that the defendant continue on the bail earlier granted by Justice Olajuwon. The prosecution, led by Victor Okoye on behalf of the Inspector-General of Police, did not oppose the application.

Justice Liman granted the request, allowing VDM to remain on the previous bail terms: N10 million with two sureties who must be either senior federal civil servants (not below Level 17) or employees of reputable organizations, with evidence of three years’ tax clearance.

The case was adjourned until July 24, 2025, for the commencement of trial.

Breakdown of Charges

According to the charge sheet:

• Count One: On or about October 13, 2023, Otse allegedly posted a video on Instagram (@verydarkblackman) containing threatening and bullying statements directed at Samklef.
• Count Two: On or about October 29, 2023, he allegedly shared offensive, obscene, and indecent content targeting Iyabo Ojo, including a claim that she was in an indecent sexual relationship with her daughter.
• Count Three: On or about January 19, 2024, Otse allegedly posted a false statement accusing Tonto Dikeh of diverting funds from the “Justice for Mohbad” campaign and operating the anonymous gossip blog ‘Gistlover.’
• Count Four: On or about March 19, 2024, he was accused of posting content deemed insulting and annoying to Deputy Inspectors-General of Police and members of the National Assembly.

The charges are brought under Section 24 of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, which criminalizes cyberstalking and the use of electronic platforms to disseminate offensive material.

The trial is expected to be closely watched, given the public profiles of those involved and the broader implications for digital speech and online accountability in Nigeria.