An Abuja Chief Magistrate Court in Wuse Zone 6 has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of Martins Otse, widely known as 'VeryDarkMan' (VDM), following allegations of criminal defamation brought by renowned gospel singer Mercy Chinwo.
Background of the Case
The court's decision stems from claims that VDM made defamatory statements about Chinwo on his social media platforms. Specifically, he alleged that Chinwo was involved in a contractual dispute concerning the diversion of $345,000 linked to her former record label boss, Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu, also known as Eezee Tee. Chinwo has vehemently denied these allegations, presenting documentary evidence, including emails and payment receipts, to support her innocence.
Court Proceedings
On March 5, the court issued a summons for VDM to appear in court, which he failed to honor. In response, Magistrate Emmanuel Iyana ordered law enforcement agencies to arrest and produce VDM in court to address the allegations. Despite pleas from VDM's counsel, Mr. Deji Adeyanju, requesting an opportunity to present his client voluntarily at the next hearing, Magistrate Iyana upheld the arrest order.
Legal Implications
The allegations against VDM are cited under Sections 391 of the Penal Code and Section 24 (1)(B) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015. In addition to the criminal defamation case, Chinwo's legal team, led by Mr. Pelumi Olajengbesi, has filed a civil suit seeking ₦1.1 billion in damages. The suit demands that VDM retract his statements, issue a public apology, and remove all related defamatory content concerning Chinwo from his platforms.
About 'VeryDarkMan'
Martins Vincent Otse, known online as 'VeryDarkMan' or VDM, is a Nigerian activist, critic, and social media influencer born on April 8, 1994, in Edo State, Nigeria. He gained prominence in 2022 through his controversial videos on platforms like Instagram, often addressing societal issues and critiquing public figures. In June 2023, Nigerian singer Davido followed him on Instagram, boosting his profile. VDM was subsequently nominated for Silverbird's Most Influential Social Media Influencer of the Year award.
Previous Legal Challenges
This isn't VDM's first encounter with legal issues. In March 2024, he was arrested on allegations of cyberbullying and cyberstalking, including false accusations against Nigerian actresses and officials. He pleaded not guilty and was remanded in police custody until his hearing on May 29, 2024. After two weeks in detention, he was released. In June 2024, he faced another arrest at his Abuja residence on defamation charges related to a social media exposé. He was questioned by police on June 30, 2024, regarding defamation allegations and released shortly after. On September 26, 2024, Falana & Falana Chambers issued a 24-hour ultimatum to VDM, demanding an immediate retraction and apology for allegedly defamatory statements against Femi Falana, made in his September 25, 2024, Instagram post.
Implications for Social Media Conduct
This case underscores the growing scrutiny of social media influencers in Nigeria and the legal responsibilities they bear concerning the content they disseminate. As the digital landscape evolves, the balance between freedom of expression and accountability remains a pivotal issue.
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