By Seyi Babalola
The Chief Magistrate Court in Wuse Zone 6, Abuja, has issued a bench warrant to arrest blogger Martins Vincent Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), for “criminal defamation” of gospel singer Mercy Chinwo’s reputation.
The magistrate directed the Nigeria Police Force, along with other law enforcement authorities, to arrest VeryDarkMan and bring him to court to answer the charges leveled against him.
Magistrate Emmanuel Iyanna issued the bench warrant on Thursday, March 13, 2025, after VeryDarkMan failed to appear before the magistrate despite a court summons issued on March 5, 2025.
Though VeryDarkMan’s lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, requested that the magistrate reconsider the bench warrant and that he physically produce his client in court, Magistrate Iyanna denied the request and insisted that VeryDarkMan be produced in court by security agents.
When contacted, Adeyanju told Channels Television that a bench warrant was issued against his client.
“Yes, a bench warrant has been issued against him for failure to show up in court.
“They are just interested in media trial over the matter. They are not interested in prosecuting the matter,” Adeyanju said.
The bench warrant stemmed from alleged defamatory statements made by VDM on social media, accusing Chinwo of involvement in a contractual dispute and the purported diversion of $345,000 linked to her former record label boss, Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu, also known as Eezee Tee.
In support of her claims, Chinwo furnished the court with documentary evidence, including emails and payment receipts, to substantiate that VDM’s allegations were not only entirely false but damning and injurious to her public image and reputation.
The complainant’s lawyers led by Pelumi Olajengbesi of Abuja-based law firm, Law Corridor, Chinwo said the alleged actions of the defendant are contrary to Sections 391 of the Penal Code and Section 24 (1)(B) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention etc) Act 2015.
