Police Blame Iyabo Ojo for Stalling Cybercrime Trials Involving Naira Marley, VeryDarkMan

The Nigeria Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCCC) has raised concerns over the delay in progressing several high-profile cybercrime cases, attributing the setback to the non-cooperation of Nollywood actress Iyabo Ojo.

According to information from law enforcement authorities, Ms. Ojo has repeatedly failed to honour court appearances and has not submitted a formal statement required in ongoing prosecutions involving herself, Azeez Fashola (popularly known as Naira Marley), Balogun Eletu (also known as Sam Larry), Tonto Dikeh, and social media activist Martins Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan.

It was gathered that the actress is listed as a prosecution witness in two separate cases currently before the courts. In the first, she is the accused in a cyberstalking and cyberbullying matter filed by Naira Marley and Sam Larry, who allege that she made unverified public claims linking them to the death of late singer Ilerioluwa Aloba, also known as Mohbad. Investigations have been concluded and formal charges have already been filed under the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2024 (as amended).

In a parallel case, Iyabo Ojo and fellow actress Tonto Dikeh are complainants in a cyberstalking suit against VeryDarkMan. Despite the matter being formally charged to the Federal High Court under Charge No. FHC/ABJ/CR/149/2024, investigators report that Ms. Ojo has not fulfilled her role as a key witness.

Authorities say multiple formal invitations were extended to the actress, yet she has failed to appear or submit a witness statement necessary for legal proceedings to advance.

The Police Cybercrime Centre reiterated its commitment to due process, impartiality, and upholding the integrity of Nigeria’s digital space, stressing that the delay compromises the pursuit of justice.

The agency called on all parties involved to cooperate fully, stating that compliance with legal obligations is essential to preserving the rule of law and accountability in the digital age.