The ongoing legal battle between social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), and renowned gospel singer Mercy Chinwo has escalated, with a Chief Magistrate Court in Wuse Zone 6, Abuja, issuing a bench warrant for his arrest.
The court order, issued on March 13, 2025, follows VDM’s failure to appear in court after being summoned over allegations of criminal defamation against the gospel artist. The case has sparked widespread debate on social media, with many questioning the boundaries of freedom of speech, defamation laws, and accountability in Nigeria’s digital space.
Court Issues Arrest Warrant Over Alleged Defamation
According to reports, the controversy began when Mercy Chinwo and her legal team accused VeryDarkMan of making defamatory statements that allegedly damaged her public image and professional reputation. The specifics of the alleged defamation remain undisclosed, but the court appears to be treating the matter with urgency.
After being formally summoned to appear in court on March 5, 2025, VDM failed to comply, leading Magistrate Emmanuel Iyanna to issue a bench warrant for his immediate arrest. This legal step means that law enforcement agencies now have the authority to apprehend him at any given time and present him before the court.
This marks another chapter in the increasing clampdown on social media influencers and activists who use their platforms to challenge public figures and institutions. While some believe the legal action against VeryDarkMan is justified, others see it as an attempt to silence outspoken critics who expose alleged wrongdoing.
VeryDarkMan Reacts: “I’m Used to Being Arrested”
Known for his fearless and often controversial takes on social issues, VDM did not hesitate to respond to the court order. In a series of posts shared via his Instagram Story, he dismissed the arrest warrant, daring security agencies to apprehend him upon his return to Nigeria.
Writing in Pidgin English, he stated:
“I dey come Naija very soon, make una ready to arrest me for airport. Arrest no be new thing for the Ratel na.”
His statement suggests he is not fazed by the court’s decision and appears to be welcoming the confrontation with authorities. This is not the first time VeryDarkMan has faced legal troubles, as he has had previous run-ins with law enforcement due to his outspoken activism and criticism of Nigerian celebrities and public figures.
Some of his supporters have hailed his boldness and refusal to back down, while critics argue that reckless statements can have legal consequences and that defamation should not be taken lightly.
Implications of the Arrest Warrant: What Happens Next?
With VDM promising to return to Nigeria soon, many are wondering whether security forces will act immediately upon his arrival or if his legal team will step in to prevent an arrest. This case raises several important questions about digital activism, defamation laws, and celebrity reputation management in Nigeria.
Here are some key aspects to watch as the case unfolds:
1. Will VDM Be Arrested at the Airport?
Since the court’s bench warrant authorizes law enforcement to apprehend him, authorities may be waiting at the airport when he returns. However, VDM could also seek legal protection before returning to avoid immediate detention.
2. Could Mercy Chinwo and VDM Settle Out of Court?
In some defamation cases, the accused and the accuser reach a private settlement to avoid prolonged legal battles. If VDM presents evidence to refute the allegations or if both parties agree to a settlement, the case might not reach trial.
3. The Role of Social Media in Legal Disputes
This case has reignited discussions about the power and consequences of social media influence. Should influencers and activists have unrestricted freedom to make accusations, or should they be held accountable for potentially defamatory statements?
4. Legal Precedent for Future Cases
The outcome of this case could set a legal precedent for how online defamation cases are handled in Nigeria. If convicted, VeryDarkMan’s case could serve as a warning to other influencers, bloggers, and activists regarding the legal limits of online speech.
Public Reactions: Supporters vs. Critics
Unsurprisingly, the Nigerian online community has been divided over the court order and VDM’s reaction.
🔹 Supporters of VeryDarkMan argue that he is being unfairly targeted for speaking truth to power and that celebrities and politicians should be held accountable for their actions instead of using the law to silence critics.
🔹 Critics, on the other hand, believe that freedom of speech should not extend to defamation and that baseless accusations can cause irreparable damage to a person’s reputation. They argue that VDM should provide evidence to support his claims or face the legal consequences.
Some have also drawn comparisons to previous defamation cases involving Nigerian public figures, noting that social media has become a battleground for both truth and misinformation.
What Lies Ahead?
As VeryDarkMan’s legal battle unfolds, one thing is certain: this case will have lasting implications on the Nigerian social media landscape. Whether VDM gets arrested, cleared, or settles the matter out of court, the outcome will likely shape how defamation laws are enforced in the digital age.
For now, all eyes are on his next move and whether law enforcement will make good on the arrest warrant.
Stay tuned as we continue to bring updates on this developing story.
