The Chief Magistrate Court in Wuse Zone 6, Abuja, has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of controversial social media personality, VeryDarkMan (VDM), following allegations of defamation against Nigerian gospel singer Mercy Chinwo.
Magistrate Emmanuel Iyanna issued the warrant on Thursday, March 13, 2025, after VDM failed to appear in court despite being summoned on March 5, 2025.
Confirming the development to Channels Television, VDM’s lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, stated, “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 also noted that he had requested permission to represent VDM in court, but the appeal was denied, with the court insisting that the social media influencer must appear in person.
The case stems from VDM’s alleged defamatory remarks accusing Chinwo of being involved in a contractual dispute and the misappropriation of $345,000 linked to her former record label boss, Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu, also known as Eezee Tee.
Chinwo’s legal team, led by Pelumi Olajengbesi of the Abuja-based Law Corridor, provided the court with evidence—including emails and payment receipts—refuting VDM’s claims and arguing that his statements were false, defamatory, and damaging to her reputation.
According to the legal filing, the defendant’s actions allegedly violate Section 24 (1)(B) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015 and Section 391 of the Penal Code.
This development follows Chinwo’s ₦1 billion lawsuit against VDM for defamation, further intensifying the legal battle between the gospel singer and the outspoken social media personality.
