An Abuja court has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of controversial social media critic Martins Vincent Otse, aka VeryDarkMan (VDM).
The warrant was issued after he failed to appear in court over a case of alleged criminal defamation involving popular gospel singer Mercy Chinwo.
Court orders arrest over defamation case
Magistrate Emmanuel Iyanna of the Wuse Zone 6 Magistrate Court signed the arrest order on Thursday, March 13, 2025. This decision came after VDM ignored an earlier court summons dated March 5, 2025, which required him to appear before the court.
The legal action stems from allegations that VDM made defamatory statements about Mercy Chinwo. The nature of these statements has not been fully disclosed, but the case has drawn significant public attention due to the critic’s history of controversial remarks on social media.
VDM responds from abroad
Shortly after the court’s ruling, VDM reacted via an Instagram story. In his post, he dismissed the arrest warrant and challenged law enforcement agencies to detain him upon his return to Nigeria.
Speaking in Pidgin English, he wrote, “I dey come Naija very soon, make una ready to arrest me for airport. Arrest no be new thing for the Ratel na.”
His statement suggests he is unbothered by the legal action and even expects to be arrested when he arrives.
A history of controversy
VeryDarkMan is known for his outspoken and often confrontational approach to social issues. His online content frequently criticizes public figures, celebrities, and government institutions. While his supporters see him as a fearless truth-teller, his critics accuse him of spreading misinformation and attacking reputations without solid evidence.
This is not the first time he has faced legal trouble. In the past, he has been detained multiple times over allegations of defamation and cyber harassment. However, each time, he has maintained his innocence and insisted that his statements are based on facts.
What happens next?
With the bench warrant in place, Nigerian security agencies are now authorized to arrest VDM at any time. If taken into custody, he will likely be presented before the magistrate to face the defamation charges.
Legal experts say that defamation cases can lead to serious consequences, including fines and imprisonment. However, the enforcement of such warrants depends on the authorities’ ability to locate and detain the accused.
Meanwhile, Mercy Chinwo has not publicly commented on the case. The gospel singer, known for her hit songs and strong Christian following, has built a reputation for avoiding public controversy.
As the situation unfolds, many Nigerians are watching closely to see how the legal battle between VeryDarkMan and Mercy Chinwo will play out.
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