Court Issues Arrest Warrant for Social Media Activist VeryDarkMan

A Magistrate Court in Wuse Zone 6, Abuja, has ordered the arrest of Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), a well-known social media activist. The court issued the arrest warrant on Thursday following a criminal defamation case filed against him by gospel singer Mercy Chinwo.

Magistrate Emmanuel Iyana directed the Nigeria Police and other law enforcement agencies to arrest VDM and bring him before the court to face the allegations. The order was issued after VDM failed to appear for a scheduled hearing on March 5, despite being summoned. His lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, requested the court’s permission to personally ensure his client’s attendance at the next hearing, but the magistrate declined and upheld the arrest warrant.

The case stems from allegations that VDM made defamatory statements about Mercy Chinwo on social media. He allegedly accused her of mismanaging $345,000 in a contractual dispute involving her former record label boss, Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu, also known as Eezee Tee. Chinwo has denied the claims, describing them as false and harmful to her reputation.

To support her case, Chinwo provided the court with documentary evidence, including emails and payment receipts, to counter VDM’s accusations. Her legal team, led by Pelumi Olajengbesi, argued that VDM’s statements violated Section 391 of the Penal Code and Section 24(1)(B) of the Cybercrime Act 2015. These sections address criminal defamation and the dissemination of false information online.

In addition to the criminal case, Chinwo has filed a separate civil lawsuit against VDM at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory. Her legal team is seeking N1.1 billion in damages and is demanding that VDM delete his alleged defamatory statements, publicly apologize, and formally retract his claims.

The legal battle has drawn significant attention, given VDM’s reputation as a controversial social media figure known for speaking out on various issues. His online activism has often sparked debates, but this case has escalated beyond online discourse into a serious legal matter.

Authorities are expected to take action following the court’s directive, and it remains to be seen how VDM will respond to the ongoing legal proceedings.