Court orders VeryDarkMan’s arrest over defamation of Mercy Chinwo

The Chief Magistrate Court in Wuse Zone 6, Abuja, has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of blogger Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, over allegations of “criminal defamation” against gospel singer Mercy Chinwo.

The magistrate directed the Nigeria Police Force and other law enforcement agencies to apprehend and present VeryDarkMan in court to answer to the charges brought against him.

Magistrate Emmanuel Iyanna issued the warrant on Thursday, March 13, 2025, after VeryDarkMan failed to appear in court despite a summons issued on March 5, 2025.

Although his lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, pleaded for reconsideration, assuring the court that he would personally ensure his client’s appearance, the magistrate rejected the appeal and maintained that law enforcement must produce him in court.

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

To support her claims, Chinwo presented documentary evidence, including emails and payment receipts, proving that VDM’s allegations were entirely false and damaging to her reputation.

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

Additionally, Chinwo’s lawyers have filed a separate suit at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, seeking N1.1 billion in damages against the blogger. They also requested a court order compelling him to delete, retract, and publicly apologize for all defamatory statements made against Chinwo and her brand.