By: Chioma Madonna Ndukwu
Popular online critic Martins Otse, better known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has been re-arraigned by the police for allegedly cyberbullying Nigerian celebrities, including actresses Tonto Dikeh and Iyabo Ojo.
The case was brought before Justice Musa Liman at the Federal High Court in Abuja on Thursday. VDM is facing a five-count charge related to online harassment.
He is also accused of cyberbullying music producer and singer Samklef, along with others. VDM pleaded not guilty.
His lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, asked the court to let him remain on the same bail terms previously granted by another judge, Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon.
The prosecution did not oppose the request, and the court agreed, allowing VDM to stay on bail. The case was then adjourned to July 24 for trial.
This is not the first time VDM is facing these charges. He was originally arraigned in May 2024 under the Cybercrime Act of 2015.
In June 2024, he was granted bail of N10 million with two sureties who must be senior federal workers or staff of reputable organizations, and show tax clearance for the past three years.
