- Who: VeryDarkMan (Martins Otse)
- What: Re-arraigned on cyberbullying charges
- Victims: Iyabo Ojo, Tonto Dikeh, Samklef, and others
- Court: Federal High Court in Abuja
- Next Steps: Trial set for July 24
The Re-Arraignment: What Went Down?
On Thursday, the Inspector-General of Police brought VeryDarkMan back to court. The charges? Cyberbullying some of Nigeria’s biggest celebrities. Justice Musa Liman presided over the case at the Federal High Court in Abuja. VDM pleaded not guilty to all five counts.
Who’s Involved in This Saga?
Besides Iyabo Ojo and Tonto Dikeh, producer and singer Samuel Oguachuba, known as Samklef, is also allegedly a victim of VDM’s online activities. The charges suggest a pattern of harassment and offensive content.
Bail Conditions: A Recap
VDM’s lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, requested that his client continue under the bail terms previously granted by Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon. The court agreed, adjourning the trial to July 24. Back in May 2024, VDM was initially arraigned on similar charges and granted bail of N10 million with specific conditions, including sureties who are reputable company employees or high-ranking civil servants.
The Specific Allegations: What Did VDM allegedly Do?
The charges paint a picture of targeted online attacks:
- October 13, 2023: Allegedly posted a threatening video on Instagram aimed at harassing Samuel Oguachuba (Samklef).
- October 29, 2023: Allegedly posted grossly offensive and indecent content about Iyabo Ojo, including a false claim about her relationship with her daughter.
- January 19, 2024: Allegedly falsely accused Tonto Dikeh of criminal conversion related to crowdfunding for the late singer Mohbad.
- March 19, 2024: Allegedly posted insulting videos against Deputy-Inspectors Generals of Police and National Assembly members.
What’s Next for VeryDarkMan?
With the trial set for July 24, all eyes are on the Federal High Court in Abuja. Will VeryDarkMan be able to prove his innocence? Or will the court find him guilty of cyberbullying these Nigerian celebrities? Only time will tell. Until then, the online community remains on edge, wondering what will happen next in this high-profile case.
Cyberbullying in Nigeria: A Growing Concern
This case highlights the increasing problem of cyberbullying in Nigeria. The Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act of 2015 aims to combat such offenses, but enforcement remains a challenge. As social media becomes more pervasive, understanding and addressing cyberbullying becomes even more critical. Nigeria’s online community is growing, and so are the challenges that come with it. From misinformation to online harassment, it’s crucial to promote responsible digital citizenship.
Related Cases and Broader Context
This isn’t an isolated incident. Several high-profile cyberbullying cases have made headlines in Nigeria, raising awareness about the issue. For example, in 2023, a popular TikTok content creator was arrested for cyberbullying a FRSC (Federal Road Safety Corps) official. These cases underscore the need for stricter regulations and public awareness campaigns.
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