A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has postponed the trial of controversial online activist Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), over allegations of cyberbullying Nollywood stars Iyabo Ojo and Tonto Dikeh, as well as music producer Samklef. The case has now been adjourned to 2 December 2025.
Justice Musa Liman gave the new date after briefly presiding over other matters on Thursday before rising for the day. The adjournment prolongs legal proceedings that have trailed the social media commentator since last year.
VDM is facing a five-count charge brought by the office of the Inspector-General of Police, accusing him of cyberstalking, online harassment, and using a computer system to publish offensive and defamatory content. The police prosecution, led by Victor Okoye, re-arraigned him on 15 May 2025.
He has pleaded not guilty to all charges. His counsel, rights activist and lawyer Deji Adeyanju, urged the court to maintain the existing bail terms earlier granted to his client. Justice Liman upheld the request, allowing VDM to remain on bail pending trial.
The bail, originally granted by Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon on 10 June 2024, includes a ₦10 million bond and two sureties who must either work with a reputable organisation or be civil servants not below grade level 17. The sureties are also expected to present three years of verified tax clearance certificates.
VDM’s legal ordeal began in March 2024, when he was first charged under Section 24 of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015. However, after Justice Olajuwon was transferred to another court division, the case was reassigned to Justice Liman.
The charges stem from a series of videos allegedly posted on his Instagram handle, @verydarkblackman.
According to the prosecution, Otse posted a video on 13 October 2023 in which he used “threatening and bullying language” to harass Samuel Oguachuba, known professionally as Samklef.
On 29 October 2023, VDM allegedly published another video containing what the police described as “grossly offensive and obscene claims” against actress Iyabo Ojo. In the footage, he reportedly alleged that “one Iyabo Ojo is having indecent sexual relationship with her daughter,” a claim widely condemned on social media.
In a separate incident dated 19 January 2024, the defendant was said to have falsely accused Tonto Dikeh of diverting public donations meant for the late singer Mohbad and running the anonymous gossip platform “Gistlover.” Dikeh, a vocal supporter of justice campaigns for Mohbad, has denied any connection to the blog or misuse of funds.
Another count accuses VDM of using his platform on 19 March 2024 to make “insulting and annoying” remarks about members of the National Assembly and senior police officials, statements the police argue are capable of undermining public order.
Background
Legal experts say Nigeria’s controversial Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Act of 2015 remains a double-edged sword in the digital age. Section 24 of the Act under which digital commentator VeryDarkMan (VDM) is being prosecuted criminalises the use of computer networks to send “offensive, false or menacing information” with intent to cause annoyance, insult, or harm.
Though originally intended to curb cyberbullying and digital fraud, Section 24 has repeatedly been used to prosecute journalists, bloggers, and whistle-blowers sparking public debate over whether the law protects the public or stifles dissent.
Critics say the provision’s vague language leaves it open to abuse. In 2022, the ECOWAS Court of Justice ruled that Section 24 violated the right to freedom of expression, ordering Nigeria to amend it. While a revised version of the Cybercrime Act was signed into law in 2024, civil society groups argue that core issues persist.
“There’s often a pattern of selective enforcement,” said Kemi Adeyeye of the Digital Rights Network. “When celebrities or politicians are involved, arrests happen quickly. But thousands of online harassment cases go uninvestigated.”
For now, Otse remains free on bail. The court’s final ruling in December could mark a turning point for how Nigeria navigates the complex intersection of online speech, reputation, and regulation.
