In addition to the criminal charges, Chinwo has also filed a separate N1.1 billion civil lawsuit against VeryDarkMan at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The suit seeks a court order compelling him to delete the alleged defamatory posts, issue a retraction, and publicly apologize.
Abuja, Nigeria – A Chief Magistrate Court in Wuse Zone 6, Abuja, has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of social media activist Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), over allegations of criminal defamation.
The arrest order was given on Thursday by Magistrate Emmanuel Iyana following a case brought against VDM by renowned gospel singer Mercy Chinwo. The court directed the Nigeria Police Force and other law enforcement agencies to apprehend the activist and present him in court to face the allegations.
The ruling came after VDM failed to appear for proceedings despite being served a court summons on March 5. His legal representative, Deji Adeyanju, pleaded with the magistrate to allow him to ensure his client’s presence at the next hearing. However, the court declined the request and upheld the arrest warrant.
The defamation case revolves around allegations made by VDM on social media, where he reportedly accused Chinwo of misappropriating $345,000 in a contractual dispute with her former record label boss, Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu, also known as Eezee Tee.
Chinwo, through her legal team led by Pelumi Olajengbesi, denied the claims, describing them as baseless and damaging to her reputation. To support her case, she presented documentary evidence, including emails and payment receipts, to refute the allegations.
The legal team argued that VDM’s statements violated Section 391 of the Penal Code and Section 24(1)(B) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act of 2015.
In addition to the criminal charges, Chinwo has also filed a separate N1.1 billion civil lawsuit against VDM at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The suit seeks a court order compelling him to delete the alleged defamatory posts, issue a retraction, and publicly apologize.
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