ABUJA, NIGERIA – The Federal High Court in Abuja has ordered the remand of social media influencer and blogger Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, in police custody. This decision came after the police challenged his bail application.
VeryDarkMan is facing charges related to cyberstalking. The case, which includes five counts, was adjourned to Wednesday, May 29, 2024. During the court session, the police prosecution team requested more time to respond to the application, which was granted by Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon. The court also agreed to remand the blogger at the National Cybercrime Centre instead of prison, as requested by his lawyers.
The charges against VeryDarkMan are severe, focusing on his alleged online activities. According to the charge sheet, he is accused of posting videos on his Instagram handle that contained offensive and false information aimed at causing annoyance, insult, and intimidation to various individuals.
One of the counts includes allegations that he falsely claimed Iyabo Ojo was involved in an indecent relationship with her daughter. Another count accuses him of falsely stating that King Tonto Dikeh was involved in criminal activities related to crowdfunding for the Justice for Mohbad Movement. Additional charges claim he made baseless accusations against senior police officers and senators, including allegations of inappropriate relationships and illegal activities.
VeryDarkMan’s legal troubles began with his outspoken criticism of controversial cross-dresser Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky. He condemned the Nigerian police for not arresting Bobrisky, citing the absence of laws against cross-dressing or proof of same-sex relations as reasons given by the police for inaction.
The police, in response to VeryDarkMan’s recent allegations and online behavior, stated that they had received numerous petitions against him. The Force Public Relations Officer, ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, noted that the ongoing legal proceedings against VeryDarkMan are based on court orders and that the delayed release from detention reflects the severity of the accusations.
VeryDarkMan’s case highlights the complexities and challenges surrounding the regulation of social media activities and the enforcement of cybercrime laws in Nigeria.