By our Reporter
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 (VDM), over alleged criminal defamation against gospel singer Mercy Chinwo.
The court directed the Nigeria Police Force and other law enforcement agencies to arrest VDM and present him in court to respond to the allegations.
Magistrate Emmanuel Iyanna issued the warrant on Thursday, March 13, 2025, after VDM failed to appear in court despite a summons issued on March 5, 2025.
VDM’s lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, urged the court to reconsider the warrant, promising to personally present his client, but Magistrate Iyanna denied the request, insisting that security agencies must bring the blogger to court.
Confirming the development, Adeyanju stated, “Yes, a bench warrant has been issued against him for failure to show up in court. They are just interested in a media trial; they are not serious about prosecution.”
The case stems from alleged defamatory statements made by VDM on social media, accusing Chinwo of involvement 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’s legal team, led by Pelumi Olajengbesi of the Abuja-based law firm Law Corridor, presented documentary evidence—including emails and payment receipts—to refute the allegations, describing them as false and damaging to her reputation.
Chinwo’s lawyers argued that VDM’s actions violate Section 391 of the Penal Code and Section 24(1)(B) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015.
In addition, Chinwo has filed a separate lawsuit at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, seeking ₦1.1 billion in damages against VDM. Her legal team is also requesting a court order compelling the blogger to delete the alleged defamatory statements, issue a retraction, and publicly apologize.
