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| VeryDarkMan appears before court on cyberbullying charges. |
Today, Nigeria activist Martins Otse, known as VeryDarkMan, was re-arraigned before Justice Musa Liman of the Federal High Court in Abuja. He faces five counts of cyberbullying against Nollywood stars Iyabo Ojo, Tonto Dikeh, and producer Samklef. He entered a not-guilty plea. His counsel asked the court to uphold his earlier bail. The prosecution did not oppose the request, and bail remains at ₦10 million with two sureties. Trial begins July 24, 2025 .
On May 22, 2024, Mr. Otse was first arraigned before Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon. Police accused him of posting offensive content online. These acts allegedly broke Section 24 of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015. He spent two weeks in custody. On June 10, 2024, he was granted bail of ₦10 million with two reputable sureties .
The case file number is FHC/ABJ/CR/140/2024. Justice Olajuwon’s transfer led to today’s re-arraignment before Justice Liman .
Details of the Five-Count Charge
1. Count One: Posted a video on October 13, 2023 threatening Samklef.
2. Count Two: Shared an offensive video on October 29, 2023 about Iyabo Ojo.
3. Count Three: Filed a false claim on January 19, 2024 that Tonto Dikeh misused Justice for Mohbad funds and ran Gistlover blog.
4. Count Four: Insulted Deputy Inspectors-General of Police in a March 19, 2024 video.
5. Count Five: Accused Iyabo Ojo of an indecent act with her daughter on January 19, 2024 .
Each count cites social media posts on his Instagram (@verydarkblackman). Prosecutors say these acts aimed to harass and defame his targets.
Justice Musa Liman called the matter at 10 a.m. VDM pleaded not guilty. His lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, asked to keep bail set by Justice Olajuwon. Victor Okoye, counsel for the Inspector-General of Police, did not oppose. Justice Liman upheld the ₦10 million bail with two sureties of Level 17 federal officers or employees of reputable firms. He set July 24, 2025, for trial .
Section 24 of Nigeria’s Cybercrime Act bans cyberstalking, harassment, and defamation online. It carries up to seven years’ jail on conviction.
At the 5th Bodex Social Media Hangout in Lagos, experts warned that online abuse can harm mental health. They urged strict enforcement of Section 24. They said courts must balance free speech with protection from online harm .
Cyber law specialist Aisha Bello notes, “The law is clear. Online harassment must stop. But courts must ensure fair trial.” She adds that clearer guidelines on evidence from social media will help speed up cases.
Advocates for digital rights say free speech is vital. But they agree that threats and false claims cross a line. “Social media is a public square,” says human rights lawyer Chidi Nwosu. “No one should face abuse there.” He calls for training for police and judges on digital evidence.
Meanwhile, some fans see VDM’s posts as bold calls against wrongdoing. They argue his work exposed scams. Others say he went too far by making personal attacks.
Timeline of VDM’s Legal Battles
March 2024: Arrested and held two weeks for cyberbullying .
May 22, 2024: First arraigned on five counts of cyberstalking .
June 10, 2024: Granted bail of ₦10 million with two sureties.
September 26, 2024: Femi Falana’s chambers demanded retraction over defamation claims.
May 2, 2025: Briefly detained over a separate cyberstalking allegation at GTBank branch .
May 15, 2025: Re-arraigned before Justice Liman; bail terms upheld.
On July 24, 2025, the court will hear witness statements. Prosecutors will present videos and posts. The defense may call digital forensics experts. Both sides will debate evidence validity.
Legal watchers say the trial could set a key precedent. It will show how Nigeria handles online defamation and harassment. A heavy sentence might deter cyberbullies. A lighter outcome may raise free speech concerns.
VeryDarkMan’s re-arraignment highlights Nigeria’s struggle with online abuse. The case tests Section 24 of the Cybercrime Act. It also raises questions about balance between free speech and protection from harm.
Justice Liman’s decision to maintain bail shows trust in the legal process so far. The upcoming trial will decide if VDM’s posts broke the law. It will show if Nigeria can hold online voices to account, while upholding fair trial rights.
On May 22, 2024, Mr. Otse was first arraigned before Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon. Police accused him of posting offensive content online. These acts allegedly broke Section 24 of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015. He spent two weeks in custody. On June 10, 2024, he was granted bail of ₦10 million with two reputable sureties .
The case file number is FHC/ABJ/CR/140/2024. Justice Olajuwon’s transfer led to today’s re-arraignment before Justice Liman .
Details of the Five-Count Charge
1. Count One: Posted a video on October 13, 2023 threatening Samklef.
2. Count Two: Shared an offensive video on October 29, 2023 about Iyabo Ojo.
3. Count Three: Filed a false claim on January 19, 2024 that Tonto Dikeh misused Justice for Mohbad funds and ran Gistlover blog.
4. Count Four: Insulted Deputy Inspectors-General of Police in a March 19, 2024 video.
5. Count Five: Accused Iyabo Ojo of an indecent act with her daughter on January 19, 2024 .
Each count cites social media posts on his Instagram (@verydarkblackman). Prosecutors say these acts aimed to harass and defame his targets.
Justice Musa Liman called the matter at 10 a.m. VDM pleaded not guilty. His lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, asked to keep bail set by Justice Olajuwon. Victor Okoye, counsel for the Inspector-General of Police, did not oppose. Justice Liman upheld the ₦10 million bail with two sureties of Level 17 federal officers or employees of reputable firms. He set July 24, 2025, for trial .
Section 24 of Nigeria’s Cybercrime Act bans cyberstalking, harassment, and defamation online. It carries up to seven years’ jail on conviction.
At the 5th Bodex Social Media Hangout in Lagos, experts warned that online abuse can harm mental health. They urged strict enforcement of Section 24. They said courts must balance free speech with protection from online harm .
Cyber law specialist Aisha Bello notes, “The law is clear. Online harassment must stop. But courts must ensure fair trial.” She adds that clearer guidelines on evidence from social media will help speed up cases.
Advocates for digital rights say free speech is vital. But they agree that threats and false claims cross a line. “Social media is a public square,” says human rights lawyer Chidi Nwosu. “No one should face abuse there.” He calls for training for police and judges on digital evidence.
Meanwhile, some fans see VDM’s posts as bold calls against wrongdoing. They argue his work exposed scams. Others say he went too far by making personal attacks.
Timeline of VDM’s Legal Battles
March 2024: Arrested and held two weeks for cyberbullying .
May 22, 2024: First arraigned on five counts of cyberstalking .
June 10, 2024: Granted bail of ₦10 million with two sureties.
September 26, 2024: Femi Falana’s chambers demanded retraction over defamation claims.
May 2, 2025: Briefly detained over a separate cyberstalking allegation at GTBank branch .
May 15, 2025: Re-arraigned before Justice Liman; bail terms upheld.
On July 24, 2025, the court will hear witness statements. Prosecutors will present videos and posts. The defense may call digital forensics experts. Both sides will debate evidence validity.
Legal watchers say the trial could set a key precedent. It will show how Nigeria handles online defamation and harassment. A heavy sentence might deter cyberbullies. A lighter outcome may raise free speech concerns.
VeryDarkMan’s re-arraignment highlights Nigeria’s struggle with online abuse. The case tests Section 24 of the Cybercrime Act. It also raises questions about balance between free speech and protection from harm.
Justice Liman’s decision to maintain bail shows trust in the legal process so far. The upcoming trial will decide if VDM’s posts broke the law. It will show if Nigeria can hold online voices to account, while upholding fair trial rights.