In a significant legal development, an Abuja Chief Magistrate Court in Wuse Zone 6 has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), a prominent Nigerian social media activist. The order, handed down on Thursday, March 13, 2025, stems from a criminal defamation case filed by renowned gospel singer Mercy Chinwo. This ruling has sparked widespread discussion about the intersection of social media influence, defamation laws, and personal accountability in Nigeria as of March 14, 2025. This article explores the details of the case, the events leading up to the arrest order, and its broader implications for freedom of expression and legal recourse in the digital age.
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The Case: Defamation Allegations by Mercy Chinwo
The legal action against VeryDarkMan centers on allegations of defamation made by Mercy Chinwo, a celebrated Nigerian gospel artist. According to court proceedings, VeryDarkMan is accused of posting defamatory statements on his social media platforms, claiming that Chinwo was embroiled in a contractual dispute with her former record label boss, Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu, also known as Eezee Tee. Specifically, VDM alleged that Chinwo diverted $345,000 linked to this dispute, a claim that Chinwo and her legal team have vehemently denied.
Chinwo, represented by her counsel Pelumi Olajengbesi of Law Corridor, presented documentary evidence—including emails and payment receipts—to the court to refute these allegations and establish her innocence. She argued that the statements were not only false but also caused significant harm to her public image and reputation, violating Section 391 of the Penal Code and Section 24(1)(B) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015. Aggrieved by the impact of these claims, Chinwo sought legal redress, leading to the criminal defamation case that prompted the arrest warrant.
In addition to the criminal case, Chinwo has filed a separate civil lawsuit against VeryDarkMan at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, seeking N1.1 billion in damages. This suit demands that VDM delete the allegedly defamatory posts, issue a public retraction, and offer an unreserved apology in two widely circulated national dailies and across his social media platforms. The dual legal actions underscore the severity of the accusations and Chinwo’s determination to clear her name.
Court Proceedings and the Arrest Warrant
The arrest warrant was issued by Chief Magistrate Emmanuel Iyana after VeryDarkMan failed to appear in court despite a summons dated March 5, 2025. The summons required VDM to attend the proceedings and respond to the criminal allegations leveled against him. His absence prompted the court to take decisive action, ordering the Nigeria Police Force and other law enforcement agencies to apprehend him and bring him before the court.
During the hearing on March 13, VeryDarkMan’s lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, was present and made a passionate plea to the magistrate to reconsider the arrest warrant. Adeyanju assured the court that he would personally ensure his client’s appearance at the next scheduled hearing. However, Magistrate Iyana rejected this request, insisting that VDM must be produced in court by security agencies to face the charges. This ruling reflects the court’s stance on ensuring accountability and upholding the legal process in defamation cases.
VeryDarkMan: A Controversial Figure
Martins Vincent Otse, known as VeryDarkMan, has risen to prominence as a social media critic and activist, often using his platform to comment on societal issues, expose alleged wrongdoings, and critique public figures. With a significant following, VDM has become a polarizing figure, admired by some for his outspokenness and criticized by others for his provocative and sometimes inflammatory statements. His content frequently straddles the line between activism and controversy, leading to multiple legal challenges.
This is not the first time VeryDarkMan has faced legal scrutiny. In November 2024, he was arraigned for the unauthorized use of Nigeria Police Force uniforms in a viral video, a case that resulted in his temporary detention and eventual release on bail. Additionally, he has been involved in defamation disputes with other prominent figures, including human rights lawyer Femi Falana and his son Folarin (Falz), leading to a court order in October 2024 to remove defamatory content from his social media accounts. These incidents highlight a pattern of legal battles stemming from his online activities, raising questions about the boundaries of free speech in Nigeria.
Public Reaction and Social Media Sentiment
The court’s decision to issue an arrest warrant for VeryDarkMan has elicited a range of reactions from the Nigerian public, particularly on social media platforms like X. Supporters of VDM argue that his arrest is an attempt to silence a vocal critic who exposes uncomfortable truths, viewing him as a champion of accountability. Posts on X suggest that some see this as a recurring pattern, with one user noting, “He always comes out with victory, so no shaking,” reflecting confidence in his ability to navigate legal challenges.
Conversely, others support Mercy Chinwo’s pursuit of justice, emphasizing the need to hold individuals accountable for spreading false and damaging information. Critics of VDM argue that his actions often cross ethical lines, causing harm to innocent parties under the guise of activism. The defamation case has also sparked broader discussions about the responsibility of social media influencers, the legal ramifications of online statements, and the balance between freedom of expression and the right to protect one’s reputation.
Legal and Ethical Implications
The case against VeryDarkMan raises significant legal and ethical questions in the context of Nigeria’s evolving digital landscape. Defamation laws in Nigeria, as outlined in the Penal Code and Cybercrime Act, are designed to protect individuals from false and harmful statements. However, the application of these laws to social media content remains a contentious issue, with debates about where to draw the line between free speech and defamation.
For VeryDarkMan, the allegations of criminal defamation carry serious consequences, including potential imprisonment and fines if convicted. The parallel civil lawsuit seeking N1.1 billion in damages further amplifies the stakes, potentially setting a precedent for how defamation cases involving social media influencers are handled in Nigeria. Legal experts suggest that this case could influence future rulings, particularly as the judiciary grapples with the rapid growth of online platforms and their impact on public discourse.
Ethically, the situation underscores the responsibility of influencers to verify information before sharing it with a wide audience. While VeryDarkMan’s supporters may view him as a truth-teller, his critics argue that his approach often prioritizes sensationalism over accuracy, leading to reputational harm for others. The case also highlights the challenges faced by public figures like Mercy Chinwo, who must navigate the fallout of online accusations in an era where misinformation can spread rapidly.
Broader Context: Freedom of Expression vs. Accountability
The arrest warrant for VeryDarkMan comes at a time when Nigeria is wrestling with the balance between freedom of expression and accountability in the digital age. Social media has become a powerful tool for activism and public discourse, allowing individuals to voice opinions and hold powerful entities accountable. However, it has also given rise to instances of misinformation, cyberbullying, and defamation, prompting calls for stricter regulation and enforcement of existing laws.
The Nigerian government and judiciary have increasingly taken steps to address these issues, with cases like VeryDarkMan’s serving as high-profile examples. The Cybercrime Act, enacted in 2015, provides a legal framework for addressing online offenses, but its application has been criticized by some as overly broad and potentially infringing on free speech rights. As this case progresses, it may contribute to ongoing debates about the need for clearer guidelines and protections for both accusers and the accused in online disputes.
Conclusion: A Test Case for Digital Accountability
The issuance of an arrest warrant for VeryDarkMan on March 13, 2025, marks a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s legal and social media landscape. For Mercy Chinwo, it represents a fight to restore her reputation and hold an influential figure accountable for alleged falsehoods. For VeryDarkMan, it is the latest in a series of legal battles that test the limits of his activism and the consequences of his online statements. As of March 14, 2025, the case remains unresolved, with the public and legal community closely watching its progression.
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