The Chief Magistrate Court in Wuse Zone 6, Abuja, has ordered the arrest of blogger Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), on charges of “criminal defamation” against gospel singer Mercy Chinwo. On Thursday, March 13, 2025, Magistrate Emmanuel Iyanna issued a bench warrant, directing the Nigeria Police Force and other law enforcement agencies to apprehend VDM and present him in court to address the accusations. The order came after VDM failed to appear before the magistrate despite a summons issued on March 5, 2025.
VDM’s attorney, Deji Adeyanju, pleaded with the court to reconsider the warrant, assuring the magistrate that he would ensure his client’s appearance. However, Magistrate Iyanna dismissed the request, insisting that security agencies bring VDM to court. Speaking to Channels Television, Adeyanju confirmed the development, stating, “Yes, a bench warrant was issued against him for not showing up. It seems they’re more focused on a media spectacle than actually pursuing the case.”
The legal action stems from allegedly defamatory remarks VDM posted on social media, accusing Chinwo of being embroiled in a contractual dispute and claiming she was linked to the alleged diversion of $345,000 by her former record label boss, Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu, aka Eezee Tee. Chinwo countered these claims in court with evidence including emails and payment receipts demonstrating that VDM’s statements were baseless and harmful to her reputation. Her legal team, led by Pelumi Olajengbesi of the Abuja-based firm Law Corridor, argued that VDM’s actions violated Section 391 of the Penal Code and Section 24(1)(B) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015.
Additionally, Chinwo’s counsel has filed a separate lawsuit against VDM at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, seeking N1.1 billion in damages. The legal team is also requesting a court order to force VDM to remove the offending statements, issue a public retraction, and apologize for the allegedly false and damaging claims made against Chinwo and her brand.
