Controversial Activist VeryDarkMan Re-Arraigned in Cyberbullying Case, Trial Set for 2025

 

Popular social media commentator and activist, Martins Otse—better known by his online moniker VeryDarkMan (VDM)—was re-arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja on fresh proceedings related to alleged cyberstalking and online harassment. The case, which centers on posts targeting Nigerian entertainment personalities, continues to stir debate over the fine line between activism and defamation in the digital age.

VDM appeared before Justice Musa Liman to face a five-count charge brought by the Nigeria Police Force. The charges, according to court filings, relate to allegedly offensive and defamatory online publications made between October 2023 and March 2024, involving figures such as actresses Iyabo Ojo and Tonto Dikeh, and music producer Samuel Oguachuba (widely known as Samklef).

Background to the Re-Arraignment

The case was originally filed under charge number FHC/ABJ/CR/140/2024 and presided over by Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon. However, following the judge’s reassignment to another division, the matter was transferred and reassigned to Justice Liman, prompting a re-arraignment of the defendant.

At the hearing, VDM entered a plea of not guilty to all charges. His counsel, rights advocate and lawyer Deji Adeyanju, urged the court to retain the bail conditions earlier granted on June 10, 2024. Those terms include a ₦10 million bond with two sureties, each either a federal civil servant of at least Level 17 or an employee of a reputable company. The prosecution, represented by Victor Okoye, did not object, and the court affirmed the existing bail arrangement.

Justice Liman subsequently adjourned the matter until July 24, 2025, setting the stage for what is expected to be a closely watched trial.

The Charges: A Clash of Free Speech and Reputation?

The prosecution alleges that VDM used social media platforms to harass and defame the aforementioned individuals by publishing content deemed “offensive, injurious, and intended to cause distress.” The charges fall under Section 24 of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, a controversial law that has increasingly been used to prosecute online speech in Nigeria.

VDM’s supporters argue that he is being targeted for speaking truth to power and calling out alleged misconduct in the entertainment industry and beyond. His critics, however, accuse him of using online platforms to engage in targeted harassment under the guise of activism.

A Pattern of Provocation

VeryDarkMan, who rose to prominence for his fiery, unfiltered takes on corruption, celebrity behavior, and societal hypocrisy, has become one of the most polarizing voices in Nigeria’s digital space. With hundreds of thousands of followers across Instagram, TikTok, and other platforms, VDM’s videos often go viral—mixing blunt commentary with what he describes as “unapologetic truth-telling.”

In past weeks and months, he has clashed repeatedly with entertainment celebrities, religious figures, and even government officials. His arrest and detention earlier this year prompted a strong reaction from civil society organizations and digital rights groups, who warned that Nigeria must not slide into criminalizing dissent online.

“This case is not just about one man,” said a member of the Abuja-based Free Speech Coalition, speaking anonymously. “It’s about setting a precedent—either for protecting free speech or enabling digital authoritarianism through vague cybercrime laws.”

The Larger Debate: Where Is the Line?

VDM’s legal saga highlights an ongoing tension in Nigeria’s media and legal landscape: where does free speech end and defamation begin? While Section 24 of the Cybercrime Act was enacted to combat online fraud, stalking, and abuse, critics say it is often wielded as a blunt instrument to silence critics.

The courts have previously ruled on similar issues involving online speech, but public interest in VDM’s case remains high, in part because of his reach and influence. Should he be convicted, it may open the door to a wave of prosecutions against other outspoken online personalities.

Awaiting Trial

For now, VDM remains free on bail, but his trial—set for July 2025—will likely reignite fierce debates over digital expression, celebrity culture, and the limits of lawful criticism. As Nigeria’s legal system grapples with the fast-paced evolution of social media, the outcome of this case could shape the future of digital accountability and activism in the country.