The legal battle surrounding prominent online activist, VeryDarkMan (VDM), intensified today as he appeared before an Abuja court to face a comprehensive five-count charge under Nigeria’s Cybercrimes Act. The charges, which span several months of his online activity, allege a pattern of threats, offensive claims, and false accusations directed at various public figures through his widely followed Instagram platform.
The initial set of accusations against VDM originates from Instagram videos posted in October 2023. In these posts, he is specifically accused of targeting music producer Samklef with threats and making what the prosecution describes as offensive and unsubstantiated claims concerning actress Iyabo Ojo and her family. These early allegations set the stage for the broader legal challenge he now faces.
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Further charges, added from incidents in January and March 2024, expand the scope of the prosecution’s case. These include allegations that VDM falsely claimed actress Tonto Dikeh had diverted funds intended for the “Justice for Mohbad” campaign, a high-profile public initiative. He is also accused of falsely alleging that Dikeh operated a blog. Additionally, the activist faces charges for reportedly directing insults toward senior police officers and lawmakers in subsequent social media posts, further broadening the range of individuals and institutions he is alleged to have targeted.
Since his initial plea in May 2024, VeryDarkMan has consistently maintained his innocence, pleading not guilty to all charges. He secured bail set at N10 million in June, allowing him to continue his legal defense from outside custody. VDM has publicly asserted that his extensive social media activities are driven by a commitment to promoting public accountability and exposing perceived wrongdoings. However, the individuals named in the charges – including actresses Iyabo Ojo and Tonto Dikeh, and music producer Samklef – have vehemently denied VDM’s claims, categorizing them as baseless and defamatory attacks on their reputations.
Tuesday’s court hearing, which drew considerable public and media attention, concluded without a definitive ruling, as the presiding judge adjourned the matter to a later date. This adjournment underscores the complex and often protracted nature of legal proceedings involving digital content and public figures.
The ongoing trial of VeryDarkMan has become a significant focal point in Nigeria, highlighting the growing tension and legal clashes between the exercise of online activism and the enforcement of the provisions within Nigeria’s Cybercrimes Act. It raises critical questions about the boundaries of free speech in the digital age, the responsibilities of social media influencers, and the legal recourse available to individuals who feel targeted by online content. As the case progresses, it is expected to set important precedents regarding cybercrime legislation and its application in the context of public discourse and online commentary in Nigeria.
