The Chief Magistrate Court in Wuse Zone 6 has summoned blogger Martins Vincent Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), for “criminal defamation” of gospel singer Mercy Chinwo’s reputation.
According to the court summons dated March 5, 2025, Chief Magistrate Emmanuel Iyanna has instructed VDM to appear in person before the court on March 13, 2025, to respond to the charges brought against him by Chinwo.
The summons follows allegations made by VDM on social media, where he accused Chinwo of being involved in a contractual dispute and of misappropriating $345,000 connected to her former record label boss, Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu (Eezee Tee).
Chinwo provided documentary evidence, including emails and payment receipts, to prove that VDM’s claims were false and damaging to her public image and reputation.
In the criminal complaint filed by Chinwo’s legal team, led by Pelumi Olajengbesi from Law Corridor, the singer argued that VDM’s actions violated Sections 391 of the Penal Code and Section 24 (1)(B) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015.
Magistrate Iyanna has directed VDM to appear before the court on March 13, 2025, to face the charges.
Additionally, Chinwo’s legal team has filed a separate lawsuit in the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, seeking N1.1 billion in damages from VDM.
They are also requesting an order requiring VDM to delete, retract, and publicly apologize for the false and defamatory statements made against Chinwo and her brand.
On February 17, 2025, a Federal High Court in Lagos ruled that the arrest warrant for Eezee Tee over alleged fraudulent conversion remains in place and adjourned the case until March 6, 2025, for his arraignment.
In the defamation case, Olajengbesi argued that VDM’s posts were unprovoked and intended to damage Chinwo’s reputation in the eyes of the public. Chinwo has presented all necessary documents and evidence to show that VDM’s claims are false.
Olajengbesi further stated that the videos and posts made by VDM on Instagram between February 2nd and February 17th, 2025, falsely accused Chinwo of bypassing her record label to secure shows and failing to remit payments to the label, causing significant harm to her image, professional standing, and emotional well-being.
Join Informant Online WhatsApp Channel With Link Below: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaihFajBadmT29ufud2
