Social Media Activist, VeryDarkMan, Faces Arrest Warrant
ABUJA – A Chief Magistrate Court in Wuse Zone 6, Abuja, has issued an order for the immediate arrest of social media activist Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM). The court’s decision came on Thursday following a defamation case filed against him by well-known gospel singer Mercy Chinwo.
Magistrate Emmanuel Iyana, who presided over the case, directed the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to arrest VDM and bring him to court. The judge’s ruling was based on allegations that the activist made defamatory remarks about Chinwo on social media.
Despite a previous summons issued on March 5, VDM failed to appear in court, prompting the judge to take stricter measures. His lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, was present in court and pleaded for leniency. Adeyanju requested permission to personally ensure his client’s appearance at the next hearing. However, Magistrate Iyana refused to withdraw the arrest order.
Allegations Against VeryDarkMan
The case revolves around accusations that VDM spread false information about Mercy Chinwo. According to the court documents, he alleged that Chinwo was involved in a financial dispute concerning $345,000. The money was supposedly linked to her former record label boss, Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu, also known as Eezee Tee.
Chinwo, outraged by these claims, presented the court with documents to prove her innocence. Among the evidence were emails and receipts, which she said disproved the allegations. She argued that the accusations had damaged her reputation and misled the public.
Legal Implications and Court Proceedings
The legal team representing Mercy Chinwo, led by Pelumi Olajengbesi, insisted that VDM’s actions violated Section 391 of the Penal Code and Section 24(1)(B) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act of 2015. They emphasized that spreading false information with the intent to harm someone’s reputation is a serious offense under Nigerian law.
Court Orders Arrest of VeryDarkMan for Defamation
In addition to the magistrate court case, Chinwo’s legal team has also filed a N1.1 billion lawsuit against VDM at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja. The lawsuit demands that he retract his statements, delete all defamatory content, and issue a public apology to the gospel singer.
This legal battle has drawn widespread attention, as VDM is known for making bold statements on social media. His outspoken nature has often landed him in controversies, but this time, the consequences are severe.
What Happens Next?
With the court’s arrest order now in effect, law enforcement agencies are expected to take action against VDM. If arrested, he will be required to face the court and respond to the allegations. Meanwhile, the case continues to spark discussions online, with supporters on both sides weighing in on the issue.
As the legal process unfolds, the question remains—will VDM comply with the court’s directive, or will the authorities have to track him down?
