By A Chief Magistrate Court in Wuse Zone 6, Abuja, has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of popular blogger Martins Vincent Otse, known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), over allegations of criminal defamation against gospel singer Mercy Chinwo. The court directed the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to arrest and produce him in court.
Magistrate Emmanuel Iyanna issued the warrant on March 13, 2025, after VDM failed to appear before the court despite being summoned on March 5. His lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, pleaded for reconsideration, promising to present his client personally, but the magistrate rejected the request.
The case stems from alleged defamatory statements VDM made on social media, accusing Chinwo of financial misconduct involving $345,000 and a dispute with her former record label boss, Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu (Eezee Tee). Chinwo provided documentary evidence, including emails and payment receipts, to counter the claims.
Her legal team, led by Pelumi Olajengbesi of Law Corridor, argued that VDM’s actions violated Section 391 of the Penal Code and Section 24(1)(B) of the Cybercrime Act 2015. They maintained that his statements damaged her reputation and public image.
Beyond the criminal case, Chinwo has also filed a civil lawsuit against VDM at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, demanding N1.1 billion in damages. She is also seeking an order for the blogger to delete, retract, and publicly apologize for his alleged false claims.
With the bench warrant now active, security agencies are expected to act swiftly, ensuring VDM’s appearance in court to answer the allegations against him.
