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 over allegations of cyberstalking and offensive online content targeting several public figures.

Otse is facing a five-count charge bordering on cyberstalking and the alleged dissemination of offensive material against actress Iyabo Ojo, actress Tonto Dikeh, and music producer Samuel ‘Samklef’ Oguachuba. He pleaded not guilty to all charges.

His counsel, Deji Adeyanju, requested that the defendant be allowed to continue on the bail earlier granted by Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon of a sister court. The prosecution counsel, Victor Okoye, representing the Inspector-General of Police, did not oppose the application.

Justice Liman consequently upheld the existing bail terms and adjourned the case to 24 July 2025 for the commencement of trial.

VDM was initially arraigned on 22 May 2024 before Justice Olajuwon on the same charges, which are in violation of Section 24 of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015. He was later granted bail on 10 June 2024 to the sum of ₦10 million, with two sureties—either employees of reputable organisations or federal civil servants of at least Grade 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.

According to the charge sheet:

• Count One alleges that on or about 13 October 2023, Otse posted a video on his Instagram account (@verydarkblackman) containing threatening and bullying content directed at Samklef.

• Count Two accuses him of posting, on or about 29 October 2023, indecent, pornographic, and menacing content targeting Iyabo Ojo. In the said video, he allegedly claimed that “one Iyabo Ojo is having an indecent sexual relationship with her daughter.”

• Count Three alleges that on or about 19 January 2024, he falsely claimed that Tonto Dikeh had diverted funds raised for the “Justice for Mohbad” campaign and was behind the anonymous blog ‘Gistlover.’

• Count Four alleges that, on or about 19 March 2024, Otse posted content deemed insulting to Deputy Inspectors-General of Police and members of the National Assembly.

The trial is scheduled to begin in July.