The Chief Magistrate Court in Wuse Zone 6, Abuja, has ordered the arrest of blogger Martins Vincent Otse, known as VeryDarkMan, over allegations of criminal defamation against gospel singer Mercy Chinwo.
Magistrate Emmanuel Iyanna issued the bench warrant on Thursday, March 13, 2025, after VDM failed to appear in court despite a summons on March 5, 2025. The magistrate directed the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to arrest and bring him to court.
VDM’s lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, asked the court to reconsider the arrest order, promising to personally present his client in court. However, Magistrate Iyanna rejected the request, insisting that law enforcement produce VDM.
Speaking to Channels Television, Adeyanju confirmed the arrest order. He said, “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 claims VDM made on social media, accusing Chinwo of being involved in a contract dispute and allegedly diverting $345,000 linked to her former record label boss, Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu, also known as Eezee Tee.
Chinwo provided the court with evidence, including emails and payment receipts, to prove VDM’s statements were false and damaging to her reputation.
Her legal team, led by Pelumi Olajengbesi from the Law Corridor firm in Abuja, argued that VDM’s actions violated Sections 391 of the Penal Code and Section 24 (1)(B) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015.
In a separate suit at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Chinwo is also seeking N1.1 billion in damages against VDM. Her lawyers are asking the court to order him to delete his statements, retract his accusations, and issue a public apology.
