A bench warrant has been issued by the Chief Magistrate Court in Wuse Zone 6, Abuja, ordering the arrest of blogger Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), over allegations of “criminal defamation” against gospel singer Mercy Chinwo.
The magistrate directed the Nigeria Police Force and other law enforcement agencies to arrest VDM and present him before the court to address the charges.
Magistrate Emmanuel Iyanna issued the order on Thursday, March 13, 2025, after VDM failed to appear in court despite being summoned on March 5, 2025.
VDM’s lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, urged the court to reconsider the arrest order, promising to personally ensure his client’s appearance. However, Magistrate Iyanna rejected the plea, maintaining that law enforcement must produce the blogger in court.
Speaking to Channels Television, Adeyanju confirmed the development, 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 claims that VDM made defamatory statements on social media, accusing 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.
In response, Chinwo submitted documentary evidence, including emails and payment receipts, to support her position that the allegations were false and harmful to her reputation.
The singer’s legal team, led by Pelumi Olajengbesi of the Abuja-based law firm Law Corridor, argued that VDM’s actions violated Section 391 of the Penal Code and Section 24 (1)(B) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015.
In addition to the magistrate court case, Chinwo’s counsel has filed a separate lawsuit at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, seeking N1.1 billion in damages from VDM. The lawsuit also requests a court order mandating the blogger to delete, retract, and publicly apologize for all allegedly false and defamatory statements made against Chinwo and her brand.
