Court Orders Arrest of VeryDarkMan over Mercy Chinwo's Defamation Case.

A Chief Magistrate Court in Abuja has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of popular social media activist, Martins Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM). The warrant was issued after VDM failed to appear in court following a defamation lawsuit filed against him by gospel singer Mercy Chinwo. The court had previously summoned him on March 5, 2025, but after his non-appearance, Magistrate Emmanuel Iyana ordered law enforcement agencies to ensure his arrest and presentation before the court. Despite attempts by his lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, to secure additional time, the court refused to withdraw the arrest order. The controversy stems from allegations made by VDM, who claimed on social media that Mercy Chinwo had fraudulently withheld $345,000 in a contractual dispute with her former record label boss, Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu, also known as Eezee Tee. However, Chinwo’s legal representatives, led by Pelumi Olajengbesi, have provided documentary evidence, including emails and payment receipts, to dispute these allegations. In addition to the criminal case, Chinwo has also filed a civil lawsuit demanding N1.1 billion in damages, along with a public apology, the retraction of VDM’s statements, and the deletion of all related content. The legal battle highlights the growing implications of online defamation and misinformation. VDM’s case is being pursued under Section 391 of the Penal Code and Section 24(1)(B) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, which penalizes the dissemination of false information with intent to harm a person’s reputation. As social media continues to shape public narratives, this case serves as a reminder of the legal responsibilities that come with digital influence and the potential consequences of spreading unverified claims.