Gospel Singer Mercy Chinwo Seeks Justice as Social Media Influencer Fails to Appear in Court
An Abuja Chief Magistrate Court in Wuse Zone 6 has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of Martins Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), a controversial social media activist. The order was issued on Thursday, March 13, by Chief Magistrate Emmanuel Iyanna, who directed the Nigeria Police Force and other law enforcement agencies to apprehend VDM and bring him before the court. The activist is facing criminal defamation charges filed by gospel singer Mercy Chinwo.
The warrant was issued after VDM failed to appear in court despite being summoned on March 5, 2025. His lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, appealed to the Magistrate to reconsider the bench warrant, assuring the court that he would personally ensure his client’s appearance. However, Magistrate Iyanna rejected the appeal, insisting that security agencies must produce VDM in court.
The case stems from allegations that VDM made defamatory statements on social media, accusing Chinwo of involvement in a contractual dispute and the alleged diversion of $345,000 linked to her former manager, Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu, also known as Eezee Tee. Chinwo, who described the claims as false and damaging to her reputation, presented documentary evidence, including emails and payment receipts, to prove her innocence.
Chinwo’s legal team, led by Pelumi Olajengbesi, 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. In addition to the criminal charges, Chinwo has filed a separate lawsuit at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, seeking N1.1 billion in damages from VDM. Her lawyers are also demanding that the activist retract his statements, issue a public apology, and remove all defamatory content from social media platforms.
The case has drawn significant attention, highlighting the growing tension between public figures and social media influencers over online defamation. As the legal battle unfolds, many are watching to see how the court will address the balance between freedom of expression and the protection of individual reputations in the digital age.
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