The Chief Magistrate Court in Wuse Zone 6, Abuja, has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of blogger Martins Vincent Otse, better known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), over allegations of “criminal defamation” against gospel singer Mercy Chinwo.
Magistrate Emmanuel Iyanna granted the warrant on Thursday, March 13, 2025, following VDM’s failure to appear in court after being summoned on March 5. The order directs the Nigeria Police Force and other law enforcement agencies to arrest the blogger and present him in court to face the charges.
During the court proceedings, VDM’s lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, urged the magistrate to reconsider the warrant, assuring the court that he would personally ensure his client’s appearance.
However, Magistrate Iyanna dismissed the request and maintained that the security agencies must produce VDM in court.
When reached for comment, Adeyanju confirmed the development to Channels Television, 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 defamatory remarks allegedly made by VDM on social media, in which he accused Chinwo of being involved in a contractual dispute and the misappropriation 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 Law Corridor, provided the court with documentary evidence—including emails and payment receipts—to counter VDM’s claims.
According to the gospel singer, the allegations were “entirely false” and had caused significant damage to her reputation.
The complaint cites violations under Section 391 of the Penal Code and Section 24(1)(B) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015.
In a related development, Chinwo has also filed a civil suit at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, seeking N1.1 billion in damages against VDM.
Her legal counsel is pushing for an order compelling the blogger to delete all defamatory statements, issue a public retraction, and formally apologize for the claims made against her and her brand.
