Mercy Chinwo: Court orders arrest of VeryDarkMan for defamation

A 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 allegations of criminal defamation against gospel singer Mercy Chinwo.

The court directed the Nigeria Police Force and other law enforcement agencies to arrest and produce VDM in court to answer to the charges leveled against him.

Magistrate Emmanuel Iyanna issued the bench warrant on Thursday, March 13, 2025, after VDM failed to appear in court as required, following a summons issued on March 5, 2025.

Although VDM’s lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, pleaded with the magistrate to reconsider the order, assuring the court that he would personally produce his client, the magistrate rejected the appeal and insisted that law enforcement agencies bring VDM to court.

The bench warrant stems from alleged defamatory statements made by VDM on social media, in which he accused 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.

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

Her 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.

Additionally, Chinwo’s legal counsel has filed a separate suit against VDM before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, seeking ₦1.1 billion in damages. The lawsuit also requests a court order compelling VDM to delete, retract, and issue a public apology for all allegedly false and defamatory statements made against Chinwo and her brand.