By Parrot Newspaper 
Court Orders Arrest of VeryDarkMan Over Defamation
By Ricky Awodi
ABUJA – An Abuja Chief Magistrate Court sitting in Wuse Zone 6 has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of controversial social media activist, Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM).
The arrest order, issued on Thursday, follows a criminal defamation case filed against him by renowned gospel singer, Mercy Chinwo.
Magistrate Emmanuel Iyana directed the Nigeria Police Force and other law enforcement agencies to arrest VDM and produce him before the court to answer to the allegations leveled against him. The court took this action after the defendant failed to honor a summons issued on March 5, which required his presence for the proceedings.
Despite pleas from VDM’s lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, who was present in court, the magistrate refused to vacate the arrest order. Adeyanju had assured the court that he would personally produce his client on the next adjourned date, but his request was denied.
Allegations Against VDM
VDM is accused of making defamatory statements against Chinwo via his social media page, alleging that the singer was involved in a contractual dispute over the diversion of $345,000 linked to her former record label boss, Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu, also known as Eezee Tee.
Chinwo, through her legal team led by Pelumi Olajengbesi, presented documentary evidence, including emails and payment receipts, to refute the claims. The legal team argued that VDM’s statements were false, injurious to her reputation, and a violation of Sections 391 of the Penal Code and Section 24(1)(B) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015.
Separate N1.1 Billion Suit Against VDM
In addition to the criminal case, Chinwo’s legal team has also filed a N1.1 billion civil suit against VDM at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The suit seeks to compel the activist to delete the alleged defamatory posts, issue a public retraction, and apologize for the statements he made against the singer and her brand.
As the case unfolds, legal observers are keen to see how the court will balance the right to free speech with the legal consequences of alleged defamation in the digital age.
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