Social media personality Martins Otse, widely recognized by his online alias VeryDarkMan or VDM, stood before a judge on Tuesday as his high-profile cyberbullying case advanced. The controversial commentator's court appearance marks the latest development in a legal saga that has captivated Nigeria's entertainment scene and social media users.
Charges and Allegations Against the Commentator
The police have brought a five-count charge against Otse, centering on accusations of cyberbullying and cybercrime. The case document lists notable figures from the entertainment industry as alleged victims, including popular actresses Iyabo Ojo and Tonto Dikeh, as well as music producer Samuel Oguachuba, known professionally as Samklef. A Deputy Inspector General of Police is also named on the charge sheet.
The allegations trace back to online activities in 2023 and 2024. According to court filings, on October 13, 2023, VDM is accused of posting a video containing comments deemed threatening and harassing towards Samklef. Weeks later, on October 29, 2023, he allegedly uploaded content with offensive remarks directed at Iyabo Ojo. One particularly serious count claims he suggested she was involved in an "indecent sexual relationship with her daughter," an assertion Ojo has publicly and vehemently denied.
Another count states that on January 19, 2024, Otse falsely accused Tonto Dikeh of diverting funds contributed to the Justice for Mohbad Movement. He allegedly linked her to the controversial Gistlover blog while claiming she criminally converted donated money. A separate charge involves videos posted on March 19, 2024, which contained insulting remarks aimed at senior police officials and members of the National Assembly.
Court Proceedings and Bail Conditions
VDM's legal journey began with his initial arraignment on May 22, 2024, where he entered a plea of not guilty. He was later granted bail on June 10, 2024, under strict conditions set at N10 million. The bail terms required two sureties who must be either high-ranking federal civil servants or employees of reputable organizations with verified tax records.
The case experienced a procedural shift when the judge originally overseeing it was transferred to another judicial division, leading to a reassignment. During his re-arraignment on May 15, 2025, Martins Otse once again pleaded not guilty to all charges. His lawyer, Barrister Deji Adeyanju, successfully requested that his client continue under the previously established bail conditions, a request the prosecution did not oppose.
Ongoing Legal Battle and Public Reaction
Tuesday's court session, where VDM was seen standing beside his legal counsel, represents another step in a protracted legal battle that continues to draw significant public attention. The case has sparked widespread debate online and offline, highlighting growing concerns about cyberbullying and the limits of social media commentary in Nigeria.
The involvement of high-profile celebrities and a senior police officer has ensured the matter remains in the spotlight, with fans, critics, and the broader entertainment community closely monitoring each development. The court is expected to announce the next steps in the proceedings following Tuesday's session.
This case underscores the increasing legal scrutiny facing social media influencers and commentators whose online content allegedly crosses into defamation, harassment, or cybercrime. The outcome could set a notable precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future.
