A Chief Magistrate Court in Wuse Zone 6, Abuja, has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of controversial blogger Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), over allegations of criminal defamation against gospel singer Mercy Chinwo.
The court order, issued by Magistrate Emmanuel Iyanna on Thursday, March 13, 2025, directs the Nigeria Police Force and other law enforcement agencies to arrest and produce VDM in court to answer to the allegations. This action follows his failure to appear before the court despite being summoned on March 5, 2025.
Why Was the Arrest Ordered?
The case stems from defamatory statements made by VDM on social media, where he accused Mercy Chinwo of being involved in a contractual dispute and allegedly diverting $345,000 linked to her former record label boss, Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu (Eezee Tee).
Chinwo has since denied the claims, providing the court with documentary evidence—including emails and payment receipts—to prove that the allegations were false and damaging to her public image.
VDM’s Lawyer’s Plea Rejected
VDM’s legal representative, Deji Adeyanju, pleaded with the magistrate to reconsider the warrant, assuring the court that he would personally produce his client. However, Magistrate Iyanna refusedthe appeal, insisting that law enforcement must arrest VDM and bring him before the court.
Legal Charges & Lawsuit
The allegations against VDM violate Section 391 of the Penal Code and Section 24 (1)(B) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015.
Additionally, Mercy Chinwo’s legal team, led by Pelumi Olajengbesi of Law Corridor, has also filed a N1.1 billion lawsuit against VDM before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
The suit seeks an order for VDM to:
✅ Delete and retract all defamatory statements
✅ Issue a public apology for the false allegations
What Happens Next?
With the bench warrant now in effect, security agencies are expected to track down and arrest VDM. If found guilty, the blogger could face severe legal consequences under Nigerian defamation and cybercrime laws.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing legal battle!
