Entertainment

The Chief Magistrate Court, 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.

Magistrate Emmanuel Iyanna issued the warrant on Thursday, March 13, 2025, after VDM failed to appear in court following a summons issued on March 5, 2025. The court directed the Nigeria Police Force and other law enforcement agencies to arrest and produce him before the court to answer the allegations.

VDM’s lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, urged the court to reconsider the warrant, assuring that he would personally present his client. However, Magistrate Iyanna denied the request, insisting that security agencies ensure VDM’s appearance.

Adeyanju confirmed the development to Channels Television, stating, “Yes, a bench warrant has been issued against him for failure to show up in court. They are just interested in media trial over the matter. They are not interested in prosecuting the matter.”

The case stems from alleged defamatory statements made by VDM on social media, in which he accused 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.

Chinwo, through her legal team led by Pelumi Olajengbesi of Law Corridor, submitted documentary evidence, including emails and payment receipts, to refute the claims. She argued that VDM’s statements were false and damaging to her reputation.

The allegations against VDM are said to contravene Section 391 of the Penal Code and Section 24(1)(B) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015.

In a separate legal action, Chinwo’s counsel has also filed a lawsuit at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, seeking N1.1 billion in damages. The suit demands that VDM delete, retract, and publicly apologize for the allegedly defamatory statements made against the singer and her brand.

The Lagos State government has announced the release of Makemation, Africa’s first feature film centered on technology and artificial intelligence.

In a statement on Sunday, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu revealed that the film will premiere in cinemas across Nigeria on Easter Weekend, April 18, 2025.

Makemation highlights the growing influence of Africa’s youth, particularly young girls, in leveraging artificial intelligence and technological innovations to address critical challenges on the continent.

Described as a coming-of-age drama, the film follows the journey of a young girl from a low-income community in Lagos. Despite facing numerous hardships, her intelligence, determination, and resilience drive her toward success. The storyline blends entertainment with themes of hope and transformation, emphasizing how innovation can serve as a catalyst for eradicating poverty.

Governor Sanwo-Olu reiterated his administration’s commitment to nurturing the creative industry, stressing the role of technology in storytelling and economic growth.

“We have consistently prioritized the growth of our creative industry and believe that fostering creativity and innovation is crucial for our state’s development,” he stated on his X handle.

“By supporting initiatives like this, we aim to promote our talented filmmakers and artists while showcasing technology’s immense potential in storytelling. Together, we are building a vibrant creative ecosystem that entertains, drives economic growth, and positions Lagos as a leading hub for the arts in Africa.”

The film features renowned Nollywood actors, including Richard Mofe-Damijo, Tony Umez, Shaffy Bello, Ibrahim Chatta, Toyin Afolayan, and Ali Nuhu. Makemation explores the intersection of human experience and artificial intelligence, merging innovation with compelling storytelling.

Nigerian artistes Rema, Mercy Chinwo, D’banj, and Ayra Starr were among the top winners at the 2025 Trace Awards, held on Wednesday, February 26, at the Mora Resort in Zanzibar, Tanzania.

Rema secured two major awards, winning ‘Album of the Year’ for Heis and ‘Best Male Artist’. Ayra Starr was named ‘Best West African Artist’.

Gospel singer Mercy Chinwo received the ‘Best Gospel Artist’ award in recognition of her contributions to the genre, while veteran musician D’banj was honored with the ‘Lifetime Achievement Award’ for his impact on the music industry.

Other Nigerian winners included P.Priime, who won ‘Best Producer’ for MMS, and Meji Alabi, who earned ‘Best Music Video’ for directing Rema’s DND.

The Magistrate Court in Sabo, Yaba, Lagos, on Tuesday, discharged Abdulazeez Fashola, popularly known as Naira Marley, in connection with the death of singer Aloba Oladimeji Ilerioluwa, also known as Mohbad.

Magistrate Ejiro Kubenje, after reviewing the legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP), ruled that Fashola had no case to answer.

Also discharged were music promoter Samson Balogun Eletu, known as Sam Larry, Owodunni Ibrahim, also called Primeboy, and Mohbad’s former manager, Opere Babatunde.

However, the DPP stated that the auxiliary nurse who treated Mohbad, Feyisayo Ogedengbe, and one of the singer’s friends, Ayobami Sadiq, would face prosecution for reckless and negligent acts. They are to be charged under Section 251 (e) of the Criminal Law, Ch C.17, Vol.3, Laws of Lagos State, 2015.

The duo will be prosecuted at the Magistrate Court.