Court Orders Arrest of Activist VeryDarkMan Over Alleged Defamation of Mercy Chinwo
The Chief Magistrate Court sitting at Wuse Zone 6, Abuja, has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of blogger Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), over alleged criminal defamation of the reputation of gospel singer Mercy Chinwo.
Magistrate Emmanuel Iyanna issued the bench warrant on Thursday, March 13, 2025, after VeryDarkMan failed to appear in court as required by a summons issued on March 5, 2025. Despite an appeal from VDM’s lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, to reconsider the bench warrant, the magistrate insisted that law enforcement agencies must arrest VDM and bring him to court.
The case revolves around defamatory statements allegedly made by VDM on social media, in which he accused Mercy Chinwo of being involved in a contractual dispute and the alleged diversion of $345,000 linked to her former record label boss, Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu (Eezee Tee).
In support of her claims, Chinwo provided documentary evidence, including emails and payment receipts, to show that VDM’s allegations were false and damaging to her public image.
Chinwo’s legal team, led by Pelumi Olajengbesi from the law firm Law Corridor, stated that the actions of VDM contravened Sections 391 of the Penal Code and Section 24 (1)(B) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015.
In addition to the criminal case, Chinwo’s counsel has also filed a civil lawsuit against VDM in the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, seeking N1.1 billion in damages. They have also requested an order to compel VDM to delete and retract the defamatory statements and issue a public apology to Chinwo and her brand.
