Following allegations of criminal defamation brought against Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), by gospel singer Mercy Chinwo, an Abuja Chief Magistrate Court has issued an arrest warrant for him.
The case stems from claims made by VeryDarkMan on social media, alleging that Chinwo was involved in a financial dispute amounting to $345,000 linked to her former record label boss, Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu, also known as Eezee Tee. Chinwo, however, has denied the allegations and presented documentary evidence, including emails and payment receipts, to refute the claims, arguing that they have damaged her public image and reputation.
Magistrate Emmanuel Iyana ordered the Nigeria Police and other law enforcement agencies to arrest and present VeryDarkMan in court after he failed to appear for a hearing on March 5, despite being summoned after Chinwo commenced action.
VDM’s lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, pleaded with the court to allow his client to appear voluntarily at the next hearing, but the magistrate refused to lift the arrest warrant.
Beyond the criminal defamation case, Chinwo has also filed a separate ₦1.1 billion lawsuit against VDM at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory. She is demanding a public retraction of the statements, deletion of the defamatory posts, and an official apology.
Chinwo’s legal team, led by Pelumi Olajengbesi, maintains that VDM’s actions violate Section 391 of the Penal Code and Section 24(1)(B) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015.
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