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 allegations of “criminal defamation” against gospel singer Mercy Chinwo.
The court directed the Nigeria Police Force and other law enforcement agencies to apprehend VDM and ensure his appearance in court to respond to the charges.
Magistrate Emmanuel Iyanna issued the warrant on Thursday, March 13, 2025, following VDM’s failure to honor a court summons dated March 5, 2025. Despite an appeal by his lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, requesting a reconsideration of the order and offering to personally present his client, the magistrate declined and maintained that security agencies must produce the blogger in court.
Confirming the development, Adeyanju told Channels Television:
“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 defamation case stems from statements made by VDM on social media, where he allegedly accused Chinwo of being involved in a contractual dispute and misappropriating $345,000 linked to her former record label boss, Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu, also known as Eezee Tee.
In response, Chinwo provided the court with documentary evidence, including emails and payment receipts, to disprove the allegations, asserting that the claims were false and damaging to her 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 counsel has taken the case to the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, seeking ₦1.1 billion in damages against VDM. The lawsuit also demands that the blogger retract his statements, delete the defamatory posts, and issue a public apology.
