“Last-Last”: Drama As Verydarkman Releases From Police Custody
In a dramatic turn of events that has captured the attention of netizens across Nigeria, Martins Vincent Otse, better known by his online moniker Verydarkman, has been released from police custody. The popular social media influencer and blogger regained his freedom after meeting undisclosed bail conditions this Monday.
The details surrounding his bail remain unclear, but the news of his release was punctuated by a viral video that swept through social media platforms, showing an elated Verydarkman being welcomed by his legion of followers.
Verydarkman’s journey to this point has been fraught with legal battles. He was arraigned before the Federal High Court in Abuja on five counts of cyberstalking, involving allegations from the Nigerian police and notable Nollywood actresses Iyabo Ojo and Tonto Dike. Despite pleading not guilty, the complexities of his case led to an adjournment of the bail hearing to May 29, as the prosecution team sought more time to deliberate on his lawyer Deji Adeyanju’s bail application.
The prosecution initially pushed for Verydarkman’s remand in prison custody. However, his defence team’s persuasive arguments swayed the court to opt for police custody instead, leading to his stay at the National Cybercrime Centre.
Verydarkman’s release has sparked conversations about the balance between freedom of expression and the boundaries of cyberstalking. Nigeria’s Cybercrimes Act of 2015 outlines strict penalties for various offences under cyberstalking, including fines and imprisonment, reflecting the country’s commitment to combating digital harassment and intimidation.
As Verydarkman steps back into the limelight, the discourse on cyber ethics and the enforcement of cyber laws in Nigeria continues to evolve. His case serves as a reminder of the ongoing need to address the complexities of cyberstalking in a rapidly digitizing society.
What are your views on Verydarkman’s release and the state of cyberstalking laws in Nigeria? Join the conversation in the comments section below.
