The Chief Magistrate Court in Wuse Zone 6, Abuja, has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of popular social media commentator and blogger Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), over allegations of “criminal defamation” against gospel singer Mercy Chinwo.
The court’s decision follows accusations that VDM made false and damaging statements about Chinwo, potentially harming her reputation. As a result, the magistrate has instructed the Nigeria Police Force, along with other law enforcement agencies, to locate and detain the blogger so that he can formally answer the allegations leveled against him in court.
Magistrate Emmanuel Iyanna issued the bench warrant on Thursday, March 13, 2025, after VDM failed to appear in court despite being summoned on March 5, 2025. His absence led the magistrate to take a firm stance, ensuring that the defendant would be brought before the court to address the claims against him.
The magistrate emphasized that compliance with legal processes is non-negotiable, particularly in cases involving accusations of defamation and reputational damage. This ruling highlights the Nigerian judiciary’s determination to enforce accountability, especially in cases where public figures claim to have been maliciously targeted.
VDM’s legal representative, Deji Adeyanju, attempted to intervene by appealing to Magistrate Iyanna to reconsider the bench warrant. He assured the court that he would personally ensure his client’s presence at the next hearing.
However, the magistrate remained resolute, rejecting the appeal and insisting that security agencies take the necessary steps to produce VDM in court. This decision underscores the court’s unwillingness to accommodate further delays in the proceedings, signaling that the matter will be handled with the seriousness it deserves.
When contacted by journalists, Adeyanju confirmed the issuance of the bench warrant, expressing concerns about the manner in which the case was being handled. He suggested that the authorities were more interested in creating a spectacle rather than genuinely pursuing legal prosecution.
“Yes, a bench warrant has been issued against him for failing to show up in court,” Adeyanju stated. “They are just interested in a media trial over the matter. They are not genuinely concerned about prosecuting it.” His remarks suggest that he perceives the legal action as an attempt to publicly discredit his client rather than a straightforward legal proceeding.
The case stems from allegations that VDM made defamatory statements on social media, claiming that Mercy Chinwo was involved in a contractual dispute and had diverted $345,000 in connection with her former record label boss, Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu, also known as Eezee Tee.
Chinwo strongly refuted these claims and took legal action to protect her reputation. As part of her defense, she submitted extensive documentary evidence, including emails and payment receipts, to demonstrate that VDM’s accusations were not only baseless but also harmful to her public image and professional standing.
The gospel singer’s legal team asserts that these false claims have the potential to damage her credibility and career.
Chinwo’s lawyers, led by Pelumi Olajengbesi of the Abuja-based law firm Law Corridor, argue that VDM’s actions directly violate Section 391 of the Penal Code, as well as Section 24 (1)(B) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015.
They maintain that his public statements were made with malicious intent, spreading misinformation that could negatively impact their client’s personal and professional life. Legal experts note that cases of online defamation have become increasingly common, with high-profile individuals using the courts to challenge misleading narratives that could harm their reputations.
The outcome of this case may set a precedent for how defamation suits involving social media influencers are handled in Nigeria.
In addition to the criminal defamation case, Chinwo’s legal team has also filed a civil lawsuit against VDM at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja, seeking damages amounting to N1.1 billion. The lawsuit demands that the blogger not only retract all allegedly defamatory statements but also issue a public apology acknowledging the harm caused by his accusations.
This civil case adds another layer of legal pressure on VDM, who now faces both criminal and financial consequences for his statements. With law enforcement actively involved in ensuring his court appearance, all eyes will be on how this case unfolds and whether it will serve as a warning to others who use social media platforms to make unverified claims about public figures.
