Controversial social media figure Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has been taken to court again by the police. He is being accused of posting hurtful and offensive messages online about popular Nigerian actresses Tonto Dikeh and Iyabo Ojo.

The police also claim that VDM targeted well-known music producer and singer Samklef, along with a few others, in similar online attacks.

On Thursday, VDM appeared before Justice Musa Liman at the Federal High Court in Abuja. He is now facing five fresh charges related to cyberbullying.

When the charges were read in court, VDM pleaded not guilty.

His lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, asked the judge to allow VDM to remain on the bail previously granted by another judge, Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon.

The police’s lawyer, Victor Okoye, did not oppose the request. The judge then allowed VDM to continue on his earlier bail and postponed the trial until July 24, 2025.

According to the Daily Post, VDM had already been taken to court on May 22, 2024, for the same issue. The charges fall under Nigeria’s Cybercrime Act of 2015.

He was granted bail on June 10, 2024, with strict conditions. He needed to pay N10 million and provide two sureties. These sureties had to be either top-level federal workers or staff from reputable companies, with proof that they had paid taxes for the past three years.