A Chief Magistrate Court sitting in Wuse Zone 6, Abuja, has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of controversial social media activist Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), over a criminal defamation case filed by renowned gospel singer Mercy Chinwo.
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Delivering the ruling on Thursday, Magistrate Emmanuel Iyana directed the Nigeria Police Force and other law enforcement agencies to arrest VDM and produce him before the court to face criminal allegations levelled against him by Chinwo.
The court’s decision followed VDM’s failure to honor a summons issued on March 5, compelling his appearance in court.
Despite a plea from VDM’s counsel, Deji Adeyanju, who assured the court that he would personally present his client at the next adjourned date, Magistrate Iyana declined to revoke the arrest order.
The case stems from allegations that VDM made defamatory statements on social media, accusing Mercy Chinwo of being involved in a contractual dispute over an alleged diversion of $345,000 linked to her former record label boss, Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu, also known as Eezee Tee.
Chinwo, in her defense, presented documentary evidence, including emails and payment receipts, to establish the falsity of the claims, insisting that the accusations had tarnished her public image and reputation.
Her legal team, led by Pelumi Olajengbesi, argued that VDM’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 charges, Chinwo has also instituted a separate N1.1 billion lawsuit against VDM at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, seeking damages and a public apology for the alleged defamatory statements.
The case continues to stir heated reactions, with social media divided over the legal battle between the gospel singer and the outspoken activist.