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.
