Controversial social media critic, Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has been re-arraigned by the police for allegedly cyberbullying prominent Nigerian celebrities, including actresses Tonto Dikeh and Iyabo Ojo, as well as producer-singer Samuel Oguachuba (Samklef).

The re-arraignment took place on Thursday before Justice Musa Liman of the Federal High Court in the Federal Capital Territory, where VDM faced a five-count charge. The social media activist pleaded not guilty to all charges.

VDM's legal representative, Deji Adeyanju, requested that the court allow his client to continue with the bail previously granted by Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon of a sister court. The counsel to the Inspector General of Police, Victor Okoye, did not oppose this request.

Justice Liman subsequently admitted VDM to the earlier bail terms and adjourned the matter until July 24 for trial to commence.

The charges against VDM are punishable under Section 24 of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015. This case marks a continuation of legal proceedings that began on May 22, 2024, when he was first arraigned before Justice Olajuwon on the same offences.

On June 10, 2024, VDM was granted bail in the sum of N10 million with two sureties who must be either employees of reputable companies or Level 17 officers in the federal civil service, with evidence of three years' tax clearance.

The case has attracted significant attention on social media, where VDM has built a substantial following through his often controversial commentary on Nigerian celebrities and public figures.

The trial, scheduled for July, will determine whether VDM's online activities constitute cyberbullying under Nigerian law, potentially setting a precedent for social media conduct in the country.