ABUJA, Nigeria — 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 artist Mercy Chinwo.
Chief Magistrate Emmanuel Iyanna issued the warrant on Thursday, March 13, 2025, after VDM failed to appear in court following a summons on March 5, 2025.
The court has directed the Nigeria Police Force and other law enforcement agencies to arrest the blogger and present him in court to face the charges.
Defamation Allegations and Legal Battle
The case against VDM stems from accusations that he made defamatory statements on social media, alleging that Chinwo was involved in a contractual dispute and the 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 the Abuja-based Law Corridor, submitted documentary evidence, including emails and payment receipts, to counter the allegations.
Her lawyers argued that the claims were false, damaging, and harmful to her public image.
Court Rejects Plea to Reconsider Arrest Warrant
VDM’s lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, appealed to the magistrate to reconsider the bench warrant, pledging to ensure his client’s appearance in court.
However, Chief Magistrate Iyanna upheld his decision, maintaining that security agencies must enforce the order and bring the blogger before the court.
The charges against VDM fall under Section 391 of the Penal Code and Section 24 (1)(B) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015.
Chinwo Seeks N1.1 Billion in Civil Suit
In addition to the criminal case, Chinwo’s legal team has filed a civil lawsuit at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, seeking N1.1 billion in damages.
The suit also requests an order compelling VDM to delete, retract, and issue a public apology for the allegedly defamatory statements.
Impact on Digital Media and Free Speech
The case has sparked widespread interest, highlighting ongoing tensions between public figures and social media influencers over issues of defamation.
As legal proceedings continue, the outcome could set a precedent for how defamation cases involving digital content creators are handled in Nigeria.
For now, all eyes remain on VeryDarkMan, as authorities move to enforce the arrest order, and the legal battle unfolds.
