Social media commentator Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has landed in fresh trouble as a Chief Magistrates’ Court in Wuse Zone 6, Abuja, issued a bench warrant for his arrest over allegations of criminal defamation against gospel artist Mercy Chinwo on Thursday.
The magistrate directed the police and other law enforcement agencies to apprehend VDM and present him before the court to face the allegations against him.
Chief Magistrate Emmanuel Iyanna issued the order on Thursday, March 13, 2025, after VDM failed to honour court summons dated March 5, 2025.
His absence prompted the court to escalate the matter, reinforcing the seriousness of the charges.
The case stemmed from accusations that VDM made defamatory remarks on social media, alleging Chinwo’s involvement in a contractual dispute and the alleged 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, to refute VDM’s claims.
Her legal team emphasized that the statements were not only false but also damaging to her reputation and public image.
Represented by a legal team led by Pelumi Olajengbesi of the Abuja-based law firm Law Corridor, Chinwo’s lawyers argued that VDM’s actions violated Section 391 of the Penal Code and Section 24(1)(B) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015.
Beyond the criminal case, Chinwo has also taken civil legal action against VDM. Her legal team has filed a suit at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, seeking N1.1 billion in damages.
In addition to financial compensation, the suit demands that VDM delete the allegedly defamatory content and issue a public apology retracting his statements against Chinwo and her brand.
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