The Chief Magistrate Court in Wuse Zone 6, Abuja, has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of blogger Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), over allegations of criminal defamation against gospel singer Mercy Chinwo.
The court directed the Nigeria Police Force and other law enforcement agencies to arrest VeryDarkMan and ensure his appearance in court to face the charges against him.Magistrate Emmanuel Iyanna issued the warrant on Thursday, March 13, 2025, after VeryDarkMan failed to appear in court following a summons issued on March 5, 2025.
Despite efforts by VDM’s lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, to have the warrant withdrawn—promising to personally ensure his client’s appearance—the magistrate declined the appeal, maintaining that security agencies must produce him in court.
The warrant is linked to defamatory statements allegedly made by VDM on social media, accusing Mercy Chinwo of involvement in a contractual dispute and the misappropriation of $345,000 related to her former record label boss, Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu (Eezee Tee).
To support her case, Chinwo presented documentary evidence, including emails and payment receipts, proving that VDM’s claims were false, damaging, and harmful to her reputation. Her legal team, led by Pelumi Olajengbesi of the Abuja-based firm Law Corridor, argued that VDM’s actions violate Sections 391 of the Penal Code and Section 24(1)(B) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015.
Additionally, Chinwo’s lawyers have also filed a separate lawsuit before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, seeking ₦1.1 billion in damages from VDM. They are also requesting a court order compelling him to delete, retract, and publicly apologize for the alleged defamatory statements made against Chinwo and her brand.
Source : https://www.pulse.ng/
