The Chief Magistrate Court in Wuse Zone 6, Abuja, has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of controversial social media personality VeryDarkMan (VDM) over allegations of defaming Nigerian gospel singer Mercy Chinwo. Magistrate Emmanuel Iyanna issued the warrant on Thursday, March 13, 2025, after VDM failed to appear in court following a summons on March 5, 2025.
VDM’s lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, confirmed the development to Channels Television, stating, “Yes, a bench warrant has been issued against him for failure to show up in court. They are just interested in a media trial; they are not serious about prosecution.” Adeyanju revealed that he had requested to appear in VDM’s place, but the court denied the appeal, insisting that the social media personality must appear in person.
The warrant stems from VDM’s alleged defamatory statements on social media, where he accused Chinwo of being involved in a contractual dispute and the alleged diversion of $345,000 linked to her former record label boss, Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu, popularly known as Eezee Tee. Chinwo provided the court with evidence, including emails and payment receipts, to refute the claims, demonstrating that VDM’s allegations were false, defamatory, and damaging to her reputation.
Chinwo’s legal team, led by Pelumi Olajengbesi of the Abuja-based Law Corridor, argued that VDM’s actions violate Section 24 (1)(B) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention etc.) Act 2015 and Section 391 of the Penal Code. The case highlights the legal consequences of spreading false information and the importance of accountability in the digital age.
