Court Issues Bench Arrest Warrant for VeryDarkMan Over Alleged Defamation of Mercy Chinwo

The Chief Magistrate Court in Wuse Zone 6, Abuja, has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of controversial social media figure Martin Vincent Otse, widely known as Very Dark Man (VDM) over alleged defamation of Nigerian gospel singer Mercy Chinwo. Magistrate Emmanuel Iyanna authorized the warrant on Thursday, March 13, 2025, after VDM failed to attend a court hearing on March 5, 2025.

The news was confirmed to Channels Television by VDM’s lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, who commented, “Yes, a bench warrant has been issued against him for failure to show up in court. They are just interested in a media trial; they are not serious about prosecution.” Adeyanju also noted that he had requested permission to appear on VDM’s behalf, but his appeal was denied, with the court insisting that the social media influencer must appear in person.

The bench warrant follows allegations made by VDM on social media, where he accused Mercy Chinwo of being involved in a contractual dispute and allegedly diverting $345,000 connected to her former record label boss, Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu, better known as Eezee Tee. These accusations were deemed defamatory, prompting Chinwo to take legal action.

Chinwo’s legal team presented evidence to the court, including emails and payment receipts, to refute VDM’s claims, showing that his accusations were not only false but also damaging to her reputation.

The complainant’s legal representation, led by Pelumi Olajengbesi of Law Corridor in Abuja, cited violations under Section 24 (1)(B) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention etc.) Act 2015 and Section 391 of the Penal Code, which address cybercrime and defamation.

With the bench warrant now in place, VDM’s failure to appear in court has escalated the legal battle, underlining the seriousness of the defamation case and the potential legal consequences he may face.