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.

Police Ordered to Arrest VeryDarkMan

Magistrate Emmanuel Iyanna ruled on Thursday, March 13, 2025, that security agencies must apprehend and produce VDM in court after he failed to honor a March 5, 2025, court summons.

Despite an appeal from VDM’s lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, requesting the magistrate to reconsider the warrant, Iyanna refused and insisted that law enforcement ensure his client appears in court.

Defamation Charges Against VeryDarkMan

The case stems from allegations made by VDM on social media, accusing Mercy Chinwo of being involved in a contractual dispute and the diversion of $345,000 linked to her former record label boss, Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu (Eezee Tee).

In response, Chinwo provided documentary evidence, including emails and payment receipts, proving that VDM’s claims were false and damaging to her reputation.

Legal Implications & N1.1 Billion Lawsuit

Chinwo’s legal team, led by Pelumi Olajengbesi of Law Corridor, emphasized that VDM’s actions violate Sections 391 of the Penal Code and Section 24(1)(B) of the Cybercrime Act (2015).

Beyond the criminal case, Chinwo has also filed a ₦1.1 billion civil lawsuit against VDM at the Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja. She seeks an order compelling the blogger to:
✅ Delete and retract all defamatory statements
✅ Issue a public apology
✅ Pay ₦1.1 billion in damages

This case highlights the legal risks of online defamation and the serious consequences of making unverified allegations against public figures.