Here Is The Latest Update On Activist VDM, Also Known As Verydarkman
The case of popular activist, Verydarkman, also known as VDM has been on everyone’s lips. This is not his first time involved in a controversial issue. He has been constantly back and forth with Nollywood actresses Tonto Dikeh and Iyabo Ojo. Luckily, the result of this issue always turned out to be his victory.
However, this very case with the Police has proven to be a bone in his throat. Since he publicly alleged that the Deputy Inspector Generals (DIGs) were having sexual relations with Bobrisky, he has not gotten a breather. Before delving into this controversy, let’s see an overview of the case.
Overview of the Police vs Verydarkman Recently
Verydarkman was arraigned on the 22nd of May 2024. A Federal High Court in Abuja remanded the social media vlogger in police custody after the police denied his bail application. According to Sahara Reporters, he was to be arraigned for five counts relating to cyberstalking.
However, the case was to be moved to a later date. This new date of the case was adjourned a week later to Wednesday, May 29th
Hopefully, this would be the day his case would be resolved. Unfortunately, the prosecuting police team informed Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon that they would need more time to respond to the bail application. The court obliged to this notice and has given them more time.
However, while the police prosecuting team was reviewing the matter, they had a request. They requested for Mr Martin to remain in prison while his case was considered. His lawyers countered this request. They opted for him to remain in custody while his case was still reviewed. As a result, the court approved that Mr Martin should remain in police custody.
Criminal Charges Against Verydarkman
1. Police in one of the charges alleged that Verydarkman posted videos on his social media account that were termed to be “grossly offensive, pornographic or of an indecent, obscene or menacing character.”
They continued by stating that in one of his videos, he claimed that Iyabo Ojo was having an indecent relationship with one of her daughters for money. The prosecuting team also stated that Verydarkman committed an offense of Cyberstalking.
This crime is under section 24 (1)(a) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) ACT, 2015.
2. The prosecuting team also charged Verydarkman with an offense he made in November last year. They stated that he accused an actress known as Tonto Dikeh of criminal conversion of the proceeds of the #JusticeforMohbad Movement. Also, he accused her of being the face behind the popular blog, Gist Lover.
The police stated that he accused her of causing annoyance, inconvenience, danger, obstruction, insult, injury, criminal intimidation, enmity, hatred, ill will, or needless anxiety to Tonto Dikeh. To them, he committed an offense of Cyberstalking.
This crime is punishable under section 24 (1)(b) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) ACT, 2015.
3. The prosecuting team came forward with another charge. They alleged that VDM falsely alleged that top police officials were having sexual relations with crossdresser, Bobrisky.
The police reinstated that he did this intending to cause annoyance, inconvenience, danger, insult, injury, criminal intimidation, enmity, hatred, ill will, or needless anxiety to the persons of the DIGs of the Nigeria Police Force and members of the National Assembly. Therefore, he committed the crime of Cyberstalking.
This crime is punishable under section 24 (1)(b) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) ACT, 2015.
4. The police also told the court that Verydarkman had suggested that Bobrisky was pimping other male prostitutes to Senators and top Police personnel. They reinstated that he did this to have sexual relations with them.
According to them, he did this for the sole purpose of “causing annoyance, inconvenience, danger, insult, injury.” He allegedly committed an offense of Cybercrime.
This crime is punishable under section 24 (1)(b) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) ACT, 2015.
Verydarkman pleaded not guilty in court. He claimed that he was innocent of the crimes accused of. However, his lawyer urged the court to release him on a bail term.
His lawyer known as Deji Adeyanju emphasized that his offence was bailable. Mr Adeyanju argued that his client ought to enjoy his right of innocence as enshrined in the 1999 constitution.
Conclusion
Despite being in custody, VDM still shows his care for people. A friend of Verydarkman discloses this on his Instagram handle. Kokopee stated that Verydarkman wants him to book a flight for two inmates who want to see their mother.
Also, fellow Instagram creator, Saida Boj has called for the release of Verydarkman. Thanks for reading, and we will keep updating you with more news about the activist!
Credits: Vanguard, Punch Newspaper, Sahara Reporters.
