The Chief Magistrate Court, Wuse Zone 6, Abuja, has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of blogger Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), for “criminal defamation” against Gospel artist Mercy Chinwo.
The magistrate has instructed the Nigeria Police Force, along with other law enforcement agencies, to apprehend VeryDarkMan and present him in court to address the serious allegations against him.
The bench warrant was issued by Chief Magistrate Emmanuel Iyanna on Thursday, March 13, 2025, after VeryDarkMan failed to appear in court following a summons dated March 5, 2025.
This warrant arises from alleged defamatory remarks made by VDM on social media, in which he accused Chinwo of being implicated in a contractual dispute and purportedly misappropriating $345,000 linked to her former record label boss, Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu, also known as Eezee Tee.
To support her claims, Chinwo provided the court with documentary evidence, including emails and payment receipts, demonstrating that VDM’s accusations were not only completely false but also damaging to her public image and reputation.
Represented by her legal team, led by Pelumi Olajengbesi of the Abuja-based law firm Law Corridor, Chinwo stated that the defendant’s alleged actions contravene Sections 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 case against VDM in the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, seeking N1.1 billion in damages from the blogger.
The lawyer is also requesting an order compelling VDM to delete, retract, and publicly apologise for all the allegedly false and defamatory statements made against Chinwo and her brand.
