Social media personality Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, has been re-arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja on five counts of cyberstalking and disseminating offensive content against Nollywood actresses Iyabo Ojo, Tonto Dikeh, and music producer Samklef. The case, prosecuted by the Inspector-General of Police, marks the latest development in a legal battle that has drawn national attention to online harassment laws.
Case Details:
- Otse pleaded not guilty to all charges under Section 24 of Nigeria’s Cybercrime Act (2015)
- Justice Musa Liman maintained the defendant’s existing ₦10 million bail terms originally set by Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon
- Trial adjourned to July 24, 2025, following case reassignment due to judicial transfers
Allegations Breakdown:
- Threatening statements against Samklef (October 2023)
- Pornographic/defamatory content targeting Iyabo Ojo and her daughter
- False claims about Tonto Dikeh misusing “Justice for Mohbad” funds
- Insulting posts about senior police officials and lawmakers
Legal Context:
The case tests Nigeria’s cybercrime legislation amid growing debates about free speech versus online harassment. Human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju continues leading Otse’s defense, while activists monitor potential implications for digital rights. The prosecution’s success could set precedents for handling high-profile cyberbullying cases in Nigeria’s evolving digital landscape.
The trial promises to unpack complex questions about accountability for inflammatory social media content as Nigeria grapples with balancing expression and protection in the digital age.
