In an unfolding drama that blurs the lines between digital expression and legal boundaries, an Abuja Chief Magistrate Court has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of Martins Otse, widely known in the social media sphere as VeryDarkMan (VDM). This action stems from a criminal defamation complaint lodged by acclaimed gospel singer Mercy Chinwo.
The Allegations:
VDM, a prominent social media activist, allegedly accused Chinwo of misappropriating $345,000 from her former record label boss, Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu, also known as EeZee Tee. Chinwo has vehemently denied these claims, providing documentary evidence, including emails and payment receipts, to refute the allegations. 
Court Proceedings:
On March 13, 2025, Magistrate Emmanuel Iyana ordered law enforcement agencies to arrest VDM after he failed to appear in court, despite a summons issued on March 5. VDM’s counsel, Deji Adeyanju, requested additional time to present his client, but the magistrate maintained the arrest order, emphasizing the seriousness of the allegations.
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Civil Suit:
Beyond the criminal proceedings, Chinwo has filed a N1.1 billion lawsuit against VDM, seeking damages for defamation and a public retraction of the alleged defamatory statements. Her legal team, led by Pelumi Olajengbesi, argues that VDM’s actions have caused significant harm to Chinwo’s reputation and emotional well-being.
Implications:
This case underscores the potential legal repercussions of unverified statements made on social media platforms. It serves as a cautionary tale about the balance between freedom of expression and the responsibility to avoid causing harm through unfounded allegations.
As this story develops, it highlights the evolving dynamics between digital influencers and public figures, reminding us of the profound impact words can have in the digital age.
