The Chief Magistrate Court in Wuse Zone 6, Abuja, has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of social media personality VeryDarkMan (VDM) over the alleged defamation of gospel singer Mercy Chinwo.
Magistrate Emmanuel Iyanna issued the warrant on Thursday, March 13, 2025, after VDM failed to appear in court following a March 5, 2025, summons.
Legal Reactions and Allegations
VDM’s lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, confirmed the development, 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 further explained that he had requested permission to appear on VDM’s behalf, but the court denied his appeal, insisting that VDM must be physically present.
The defamation case stems from VDM’s social media allegations accusing Chinwo of diverting $345,000 in a contractual dispute with her former record label boss, Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu (Eezee Tee).
Chinwo provided emails, payment receipts, and other documents to the court, proving that VDM’s claims were false, defamatory, and damaging to her reputation.
Legal Implications
According to Chinwo’s legal team, led by Pelumi Olajengbesi of Law Corridor, VDM’s actions violate:
- Section 24 (1)(B) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015
- Section 391 of the Penal Code
With the bench warrant now in effect, law enforcement agencies are expected to take action to ensure VDM’s arrest and court appearance.
