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An Abuja Chief Magistrate Court in Wuse Zone 6 has ordered the arrest of social media activist Martins Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan (VDM).
The order was issued on Thursday, following a complaint by popular gospel singer Mercy Chinwo, who accused VDM of defaming her.
Magistrate Emmanuel Iyana directed the Nigeria Police Force and other law enforcement agencies to arrest VDM and bring him to court to face the charges. The order was issued after VDM failed to appear in court on March 5, despite being summoned.
VDM’s lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, was present in court and pleaded for more time to produce his client, but the magistrate refused to withdraw the arrest warrant.
The case is related to allegations made by VDM on social media, claiming that Mercy Chinwo was involved in financial misconduct regarding a $345,000 transaction linked to her former gospel record label boss, Mercy EeZee Tee. Chinwo denied the allegations and presented documents, including emails and payment receipts, to prove her innocence.
The gospel singer’s legal team, led by Mr. Adeyanju, argued that VDM’s claims had damaged her reputation. The case is based on Sections 391 of the Penal Code and Section 24 (1)(B) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015.
Following the arrest order, social media users shared mixed reactions, with some supporting VDM and others saying he should be arrested.
