A Chief Magistrate Court in Wuse Zone 6, Abuja, has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of popular activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), over alleged defamation of gospel singer Mercy Chinwo.
According to the court order, the Nigeria Police Force and other law enforcement agencies are mandated to arrest Otse and present him before the court to face the allegations.
Failure to Appear in Court
The bench warrant, issued by Magistrate Emmanuel Iyanna on Thursday, March 13, 2025, followed Otse’s failure to honour a court summons dated March 5, 2025. Despite an attempt by his lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, to appeal the warrant and personally bring him to court, the magistrate rejected the request, insisting that security agencies must produce him.
Defamation Claims Against VDM
The case stems from claims made by VeryDarkMan on social media, alleging that Mercy Chinwo was involved in a contractual dispute and had misappropriated $345,000 linked to her former record label boss, Eezee Tee.
Chinwo’s legal team, led by Pelumi Olajengbesi, presented documentary evidence, including emails and payment receipts, to counter the allegations, describing them as false and damaging to her reputation.
Citing Sections 391 of the Penal Code and Section 24(1)(B) of the Cybercrime Act 2015, her lawyers argue that VDM’s statements constitute defamation and cyber-related offenses.
N1.1 Billion Lawsuit & Public Apology Demand
In addition to the criminal case, Chinwo has filed a civil lawsuit against VeryDarkMan at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, demanding N1.1 billion in damages.
Her legal team is also seeking a court order compelling VDM to retract and delete all defamatory statements made against her. Furthermore, they are pushing for a public apology to repair the damage to her reputation.
With legal battles mounting, all eyes are now on the authorities to see if and when VeryDarkMan will be brought before the court.