A Chief Magistrate Court in Abuja has issued an arrest warrant for social media activist Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), over alleged defamation of gospel singer Mercy Chinwo.
The court, presided over by Magistrate Emmanuel Iyana, directed law enforcement agencies to apprehend and present VDM in court after he failed to honor a previous summons issued on March 5.
Chinwo accused the activist of spreading false claims about her alleged involvement in a contractual dispute and the diversion of $345,000 linked to her former record label boss, Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu (Eezee Tee). In response, the singer submitted documentary evidence, including emails and payment receipts, to refute the allegations.
Despite a plea from VDM’s lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, to personally ensure his client’s appearance in court, Magistrate Iyana upheld the arrest order.
Chinwo’s legal team, led by Pelumi Olajengbesi, argued that VDM’s actions violated Sections 391 of the Penal Code and Section 24 (1)(B) of the Cybercrime Act 2015. Additionally, they have filed a separate ₦1.1 billion lawsuit, demanding a public apology and retraction of all alleged defamatory statements.
The case has ignited widespread reactions, with many awaiting VDM’s next move in this unfolding legal battle.
