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A Chief Magistrate Court in Wuse Zone 6, Abuja, has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of social media activist Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), following a criminal defamation case filed against him by gospel singer Mercy Chinwo.
Magistrate Emmanuel Iyana, in a ruling on Thursday, Mar. 13, 2025, directed law enforcement agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force, to apprehend and bring VDM before the court. The order came after the activist failed to appear for proceedings despite a summons issued on Mar. 5.
VDM’s lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, pleaded for leniency, requesting that the court allow him to personally ensure his client’s attendance at the next hearing. However, Magistrate Iyana rejected the request and upheld the arrest order.
The case stems from allegations that VDM made defamatory statements about Mercy on social media, claiming she diverted $345,000 linked to her former record label boss, Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu, also known as Eezee Tee. In response, Mercy presented documentary evidence, including emails and payment receipts, to dispute the claims.
Her legal team, led by Pelumi Olajengbesi, argues that VDM’s statements violate the Penal Code and Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015. In addition to the criminal case, Mercy has also filed a N1.1 billion civil lawsuit against VDM at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, seeking damages, a retraction, and a public apology.
The case has drawn attention to the legal consequences of social media statements and the balance between free speech and defamation in Nigeria.
