The Chief Magistrate Court in Wuse Zone 6, Abuja, has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of social media influencer and blogger Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), over alleged criminal defamation of popular gospel singer Mercy Chinwo.
The warrant, issued on Thursday, March 13, 2025, directs the Nigeria Police Force and other law enforcement agencies to immediately apprehend VDM and bring him before the court to face charges of criminal defamation.
The court’s decision follows his failure to appear after a prior summons on March 5, 2025.
Court’s Ruling and Justification
Magistrate Emmanuel Iyanna, who presided over the case, expressed displeasure over VDM’s failure to honor the court summons. Despite being given ample time to appear and defend himself, the blogger failed to show up, prompting the court to issue an arrest warrant.
During the proceedings, VDM’s lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, pleaded with the magistrate to reconsider the decision, assuring that he would personally ensure his client’s presence in court.
However, the magistrate rejected the appeal, maintaining that the legal system must take its course and that VDM must be presented before the court by security agencies.
The arrest order signifies a firm stance against the abuse of social media platforms and underscores the importance of responsible journalism and content creation.
Background of the Defamation Case
The legal battle between Mercy Chinwo and VeryDarkMan stems from allegations made by the blogger on social media, where he accused Chinwo of being involved in a contractual dispute with her former record label boss, Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu, also known as Eezee Tee.
According to VDM, Chinwo had allegedly diverted $345,000 from her past record deal, an accusation that her legal team has dismissed as baseless and defamatory.
In response, Mercy Chinwo, through her legal counsel, Pelumi Olajengbesi of the Law Corridor firm, presented documentary evidence, including emails and payment receipts, to prove that VDM’s claims were false and damaging to her reputation.
Her lawyers further argued that VDM’s statements violated Nigerian laws, specifically:
- Section 391 of the Penal Code, which criminalizes false statements made with the intent to damage an individual’s reputation.
- Section 24(1)(B) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015, which prohibits the dissemination of false information that causes harm.
Legal Actions and Financial Claims
Beyond the criminal defamation case, Mercy Chinwo has filed a civil lawsuit against VDM before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, seeking N1.1 billion in damages for allegedly false and injurious statements.
As part of her demands, she has asked the court to:
- Order VDM to delete all defamatory content from his social media platforms.
- Compel him to issue a public apology and retraction of the statements made against her.
The case has drawn significant attention, particularly within the entertainment industry and social media space, as it raises important legal questions about the boundaries of free speech and defamation in the digital era.
Lawyer’s Response and Public Reaction
Reacting to the court’s decision, VDM’s lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, claimed that the case was turning into a “media trial,” alleging that authorities were more focused on publicizing the case rather than ensuring a fair trial.
“Yes, a bench warrant has been issued against him for failure to show up in court. They are just interested in media trials over the matter. They are not interested in prosecuting the matter,” Adeyanju told Channels Television.
Meanwhile, the court’s decision has sparked mixed reactions on social media, with some users arguing that VDM is being unfairly targeted, while others believe that his arrest will serve as a warning to bloggers and influencers who spread false allegations.
Implications for Bloggers and Social Media Influencers
If VDM is arrested, prosecuted, and found guilty, it could set a strong legal precedent for online defamation cases in Nigeria.
This case highlights the growing concerns over the reckless use of social media to spread falsehoods, particularly in an era where misinformation can damage reputations, careers, and businesses.
Legal experts argue that a conviction in this case would serve as a deterrent to other bloggers and social media personalities who use their platforms to attack public figures without evidence.
It would also reinforce the idea that freedom of expression must be exercised responsibly.
Additionally, this case may encourage more Nigerian celebrities, public figures, and private individuals to take legal action against defamatory content, thereby shaping the country’s digital content laws and redefining the consequences of spreading misinformation.
With the bench warrant now in effect, the Nigeria Police and law enforcement agencies are expected to act swiftly to arrest and present VDM in court.
The upcoming legal proceedings will determine whether he will face criminal penalties or potential financial damages.
As the legal battle unfolds, many Nigerians will be watching closely to see how the judiciary balances freedom of expression with the need to protect individuals from malicious defamation.
For now, VDM’s fate remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: this case has sent a strong message that the reckless use of social media can have serious legal consequences.
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