The Chief Magistrate Court, Wuse Zone 6, Abuja, has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of blogger Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, for “criminal defamation” of gospel singer Mercy Chinwo.
The magistrate directed the Nigeria Police Force and other law enforcement agencies to apprehend VeryDarkMan and present him in court to respond to the allegations made against him.
Magistrate Emmanuel Iyanna issued the bench warrant on Thursday, March 13, 2025, after VeryDarkMan failed to appear in court despite receiving a summons on March 5, 2025.
Although VeryDarkMan’s lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, requested that the court reconsider the warrant, assuring that he would personally ensure his client’s appearance, Iyanna denied the appeal, insisting that security agencies enforce the arrest.
The bench warrant was issued following allegations that VeryDarkMan made defamatory statements on social media, accusing Chinwo of involvement in a contractual dispute and the diversion of $345,000 associated with her former record label boss, Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu, also known as Eezee Tee.
In response, Chinwo presented documentary evidence, including emails and payment receipts, to demonstrate that the claims were “false” and had caused harm to her reputation.
Her legal team, led by Pelumi Olajengbesi of Law Corridor, argued that the defendant’s actions violated Section 391 of the Penal Code and Section 24(1)(B) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition) Act 2015.
Additionally, Chinwo’s legal representatives have filed a N1.1 billion lawsuit against VeryDarkMan at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, seeking an order for him to delete and retract the alleged “false” statements and issue a public apology.
