The Chief Magistrate Court in Wuse Zone 6, Abuja, has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of blogger Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), over allegations of “criminal defamation” against gospel singer Mercy Chinwo.
The court directed the Nigeria Police Force and other law enforcement agencies to apprehend VeryDarkMan and present him in court to respond to the charges.
The bench warrant was issued by Magistrate Emmanuel Iyanna on Thursday, March 13, 2025, after VeryDarkMan failed to appear in court despite being summoned on March 5, 2025.
Although VeryDarkMan’s lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, pleaded with the magistrate to reconsider the warrant, assuring that he would personally ensure his client appears in court, Magistrate Iyanna declined the appeal and maintained that security agencies must produce the blogger in court.
When contacted, Adeyanju told Channels Television that a bench warrant was issued against his client.
“Yes, a bench warrant has been issued against him for failure to show up in court.
“They are just interested in media trial over the matter. They are not interested in prosecuting the matter,” Adeyanju said.
The bench warrant stemmed from alleged defamatory statements made by VDM on social media, accusing Chinwo of involvement in a contractual dispute and the purported diversion of $345,000 linked to her former record label boss, Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu, also known as Eezee Tee.
In support of her claims, Chinwo furnished the court with documentary evidence, including emails and payment receipts, to substantiate that VDM’s allegations were not only entirely false but damning and injurious to her public image and reputation.
The complainant’s lawyers led by Pelumi Olajengbesi of Abuja-based law firm, Law Corridor, Chinwo said the alleged actions of the defendant are contrary to Sections 391 of the Penal Code and Section 24 (1)(B) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention etc) Act 2015.
Recall that Chinwo’s counsel also dragged VDM before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, seeking N1.1bn damages against the blogger.
The lawyer sought an order compelling VDM to delete, retract, and issue a public apology for all allegedly false and defamatory statements made against Chinwo and her brand.