Social Media Influencer Re-Arraigned for Alleged Cyberbullying of Nollywood Actresses and Singer

Strategic Insights -

Martins Otse, a social media influencer known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has been re-arraigned in a Federal High Court in Abuja for allegedly engaging in cyberbullying against Nollywood actresses Iyabo Ojo and Tonto Dikeh, as well as singer Samuel Oguachuba, also known as Samklef. The prosecution brought five-count charges against VDM, to which he pleaded not guilty. The case has been assigned to Justice Musa Liman and is set to commence trial on July 24.

Key Takeaways:

  • Martins Otse, alias VeryDarkMan, has been re-arraigned on five-count charges of cyberbullying against Nollywood actresses Iyabo Ojo and Tonto Dikeh, and singer Samuel Oguachuba.
  • The charges include publishing threatening and bullying words, posting grossly offensive content, and falsely publishing information about a high-profile movement.
  • VDM was initially arraigned before Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon on May 22, 2024, and granted a N10 million bail on June 10, 2024.
  • The re-arrangement of the case was necessitated by Justice Olajuwon's transfer to another division of the Federal High Court.
  • The charges against VDM are contrary to and punishable under Section 24 of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) Act, 2015.
  • The prosecution, led by Victor Okoye, did not object to VDM's request to continue on the earlier bail granted by Justice Olajuwon.
  • The trial is set to commence on July 24, 2024.

Statistics:

  • Number of counts against VDM: 5
  • Amount of bail granted: N10,000,000
  • Date of initial arraignment: May 22, 2024
  • Date of bail granted: June 10, 2024
  • Date of re-arrangement of the case: Thursday (no specific date mentioned)
  • Number of high-profile individuals targeted by VDM's cyberbullying: 3 (Iyabo Ojo, Tonto Dikeh, and Samuel Oguachuba)

Sources:

  • "Inspector-General (IG) of Police files four-count charge against Martins Otse popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM)." [Source: PUNCH NG, March 28, 2024, FHC/ABJ/CR/140/2024]