Defamation: Court Orders Arrest Of VeryDarkMan

A Chief Magistrate Court in Wuse Zone 6, Abuja, has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, VDM, over alleged criminal defamation of gospel singer Mercy Chinwo.

The bench warrant was issued on Thursday, March 13, 2025, by Magistrate Emmanuel Iyanna after VDM failed to appear in court despite being summoned on 5 March 2025.

The Nigeria Police Force, along with other law enforcement agencies, has been directed to arrest the blogger and produce him in court to answer the criminal allegations brought against him.

VDM’s legal representative, Deji Adeyanju, appealed to the magistrate to reconsider the bench warrant, offering to personally ensure his client’s appearance in court.

Magistrate Iyanna rejected the appeal and insisted that the security agencies execute the warrant without delay.

“The court summons was clear, and failure to appear warrants this action,” the magistrate stated.

The case stems from alleged defamatory statements made by VDM on social media, accusing Chinwo of involvement in a contractual dispute and the alleged diversion of $345,000 linked to her former record label boss, Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu, also known as Eezee Tee.

In support of her claims, Chinwo presented documentary evidence to the court, including emails and payment receipts, which she said proved the accusations were false and damaging to her public image.

The complainant’s legal team, led by Pelumi Olajengbesi of Abuja-based law firm Law Corridor, argued that the blogger’s alleged actions violated Sections 391 of the Penal Code and Section 24(1)(B) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015.

Chinwo’s legal representatives also filed a separate suit at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, seeking N1.1 billion in damages for defamation.

In the civil suit, the singer’s counsel requested an order compelling VDM to delete all defamatory content, retract his statements, and issue a public apology.

The court is expected to set a date for VDM’s formal arraignment once he is apprehended and brought before the magistrate.

Efforts to reach VDM for comments on the allegations and the court’s decision were unsuccessful at the time of this report.