Martins Otse, widely known on social media as VeryDarkMan, appeared once again before the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday to face fresh proceedings over accusations of cyberbullying.
The controversial online figure was brought before Justice Musa Liman by the police on a five-count charge, which includes alleged harassment of Nollywood actresses Iyabo Ojo and Tonto Dikeh, along with music producer Samuel Oguachuba, popularly called Samklef.
Otse entered a plea of not guilty to all charges.
This latest court session follows his initial arraignment on May 22, 2024, before Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon. The charges, which fall under Section 24 of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act of 2015, were reassigned after Justice Olajuwon was transferred to a different division.
Initially remanded, Otse was granted bail on June 10, 2024, in the sum of ₦10 million. The conditions required two sureties—either senior federal civil servants at Level 17 or individuals employed by reputable organisations—with documented tax clearance for the past three years.
According to the prosecution, the charges stem from a series of videos shared via his Instagram handle (@verydarkblackman).
One of the allegations claims that, on or about October 13, 2023, Otse posted a video containing threats and demeaning comments targeted at Samklef.
Another count accuses him of publishing indecent and offensive content about Iyabo Ojo around October 29, 2023. In that video, he allegedly stated that “one Iyabo Ojo is having an indecent sexual relationship with her daughter.”
On January 19, 2024, Otse is said to have made a false allegation against Tonto Dikeh, claiming she misappropriated funds meant for the “Justice for Mohbad” initiative and was allegedly behind the controversial Gistlover blog.
In a separate incident dated March 19, 2024, he allegedly released a video with inflammatory remarks targeting Deputy Inspectors General of Police and members of the National Assembly.
At Thursday’s hearing, Otse’s legal representative, Deji Adeyanju, requested that his client remain under the same bail terms previously granted. The prosecution, led by Victor Okoye, did not oppose the motion.
Justice Liman approved the request and adjourned the case until July 24, 2025, for the commencement of trial.
