Nigerian social media influencer Martins Otse, known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), was re-arraigned on Thursday on cyberbullying charges. The police, representing the Inspector-General, brought five counts against him at the Federal High Court in Abuja, presided over by Judge Musa Liman. The charges involve cyberbullying actresses Iyabo Ojo and Tonto Dikeh, along with producer and singer Samuel Oguachuba (Samklef).

VDM pleaded not guilty, and his lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, requested that he continue on his previous bail terms from Judge Mobolaji Olajuwon. The prosecution, led by Victor Okoye, did not object, and Judge Liman agreed, adjourning the trial to July 24, 2025. The case, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/140/2024, accuses VDM of violating Section 24 of the Cybercrime Act of 2015. Allegations include publishing threatening content against Samuel Oguachuba, offensive content against Iyabo Ojo (including a claim about her daughter), and falsely accusing Tonto Dikeh of criminal activity related to crowdfunding and being behind the Gistlover blog. He is also accused of posting insulting videos about Deputy Inspectors Generals of Police and lawmakers.

This re-arraignment follows an initial appearance on May 22, 2024, before Judge Mobolaji Olajuwon, who granted VDM a N10 million bail on June 10, 2024, with specific conditions for the sureties. The case was reassigned to Judge Liman after Judge Olajuwon's transfer. VDM has faced other recent issues, including encounters with GT Bank and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The EFCC has confirmed plans to arraign him separately upon finalizing charges.

Meanwhile, news of the re-arraignment and court appearance has been circulating, with details of the charges and the request for continuation of bail being highlighted. VeryDarkMan's legal troubles stem from his activism on social media, leading to detentions and legal battles. Singer Terry Apala has also warned VDM about a video alleging bribery involving the EFCC, demanding its removal under threat of legal action.

The EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, clarified that the agency is still preparing charges against VeryDarkMan following multiple petitions. He stated that VDM was invited, arrested, and later released on bail after meeting the conditions. The agency will arraign him once the charges are finalized and filed in court. Oyewale declined to comment on whether the agency is holding VeryDarkMan’s mobile phone.