An Abuja Chief Magistrate Court has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of social media activist Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), over a criminal defamation case filed by gospel singer Mercy Chinwo.
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The court’s decision follows VDM’s failure to honor a summons issued on March 5. Presiding over the case, Magistrate Emmanuel Iyana ordered his arrest despite his lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, pleading for more time to present him before the court.
The case stems from allegations made by VDM on social media, accusing Chinwo of diverting $345,000 from her former record label boss, Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu, also known as Eezee Tee, in a contractual dispute. Chinwo’s legal team, led by Pelumi Olajengbesi, argued that his statements violated sections of the Penal Code and Cybercrime Act.
To counter the claims, Chinwo’s legal representatives submitted documentary evidence, including emails and payment receipts, to prove her innocence.
In addition to the criminal case, they have also filed a separate N1.1 billion lawsuit against VDM, demanding a retraction, a public apology, and compensation for damages caused by the alleged defamation.
