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, over allegations of criminal defamation against gospel singer Mercy Chinwo.
Magistrate Emmanuel Iyanna directed the Nigeria Police Force and other law enforcement agencies to apprehend the blogger and ensure his appearance in court to respond to the charges brought against him.
The warrant was issued on Thursday, March 13, 2025, after VeryDarkMan failed to honor a court summons dated March 5, 2025.
Despite an appeal from his lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, requesting the court to reconsider the decision and assuring that he would personally present his client, the magistrate stood firm, insisting that security agencies must produce the defendant in court.
The case revolves around alleged defamatory remarks made by VeryDarkMan on social media, accusing Chinwo of being involved in a contractual dispute and the diversion of $345,000 linked to her former record label boss, Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu, also known as Eezee Tee.
In response, Chinwo provided the court with documentary evidence—including emails and payment receipts—arguing that the allegations were false, damaging, and harmful to her reputation.
Legal representatives for the complainant, led by Pelumi Olajengbesi of the Abuja-based firm Law Corridor, contended that the blogger’s actions contravened Section 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 legal team has also filed a separate civil suit at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, seeking N1.1 billion in damages.
The lawsuit demands that VeryDarkMan retract his statements, delete the alleged defamatory content, and issue a public apology.
