By News24Hours | Abuja, Nigeria | May 15, 2025
The Inspector-General of Police (IGP) has re-arraigned controversial social media influencer, Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), on fresh cyberbullying charges involving high-profile Nigerian celebrities.
The arraignment, which took place on Thursday, centers on alleged online harassment and defamatory statements made by the influencer against actresses Iyabo Ojo, Tonto Dikeh, and popular singer-producer Samuel Oguachuba, also known as Samklef, among others.
VDM, known for his blunt and often provocative commentary on social media, is being charged under Nigeria’s Cybercrimes Act, which prohibits online harassment, defamation, and the use of digital platforms to incite public unrest or target individuals with harmful content.
The police stated that his re-arraignment follows additional evidence and complaints filed by the alleged victims.
Although neither Iyabo Ojo nor Tonto Dikeh has made public statements since the re-arraignment, both actresses have previously called out VDM on social media, accusing him of spreading falsehoods and damaging their reputations.
Samklef has also been vocal, alleging that VDM has continually made malicious and defamatory posts against him.
During the hearing, the court adjourned proceedings to a later date, pending the police’s presentation of digital forensic evidence and witness testimonies. VDM’s legal team is expected to file a motion for bail and may challenge the jurisdiction of the court.
VeryDarkMan, who has amassed a large online following for his raw and confrontational takes on trending issues, has previously clashed with celebrities, influencers, and activists. While his supporters hail him as a truth-teller, critics accuse him of cyber harassment and sensationalism.
A representative of the IGP’s office said:
“We will not tolerate abuse of online platforms to intimidate, threaten, or defame others. Everyone must be held accountable—no matter how influential they are online.”
VDM remains in police custody, with his legal team seeking to negotiate terms for bail. The court is expected to reconvene in the coming days to hear preliminary arguments.
Stay tuned to News24Hours for exclusive updates on this case and other trending legal matters in Nigeria’s digital and entertainment space.
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