A court in Abuja has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of popular social media activist, Martins Otse, known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), over accusations of defamation. The case, filed by Nigerian gospel singer Mercy Chinwo, has seen the controversial activist’s failure to attend a court hearing result in the serious legal move.
The Chief Magistrate Court in Wuse Zone 6 issued the arrest order on Thursday, after VDM ignored a court summons issued on March 5. Despite efforts by his lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, to seek more time for his client to appear in court, Magistrate Emmanuel Iyana refused to cancel the arrest warrant. The court’s ruling has now directed the Nigerian Police Force and other law enforcement agencies to locate and arrest VDM and bring him before the court.
The Defamation Case Against VeryDarkMan
The defamation charges against VDM stem from claims he made against Mercy Chinwo on social media. The social media influencer had alleged that Chinwo was involved in a financial dispute with her former record label boss, Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu, also known as Eezee Tee. VDM claimed that the gospel singer had diverted $345,000 from him.
Chinwo strongly denied these accusations, describing them as false and harmful to her reputation. To defend her name, the gospel star presented evidence, including emails and payment receipts, showing that the allegations made against her were untrue.
Mercy Chinwo, who has made a name for herself as one of Nigeria’s leading gospel singers, filed a lawsuit against VDM, seeking justice for the harm caused by the defamatory statements. In addition to the arrest order, Chinwo’s legal team, headed by Pelumi Olajengbesi, argued that VDM’s actions had violated the Nigerian Penal Code, specifically Section 391, which deals with criminal defamation. The team also pointed to the Cybercrime Act of 2015, particularly Section 24(1)(B), which criminalizes harmful online activities.
Chinwo’s Legal Action
Chinwo has not only sought VDM’s arrest but has also taken further legal steps by filing a N1.1 billion lawsuit at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory. This lawsuit demands a public apology, the removal of all defamatory statements, and a retraction of the damaging comments made by the activist. The case continues to attract attention, as it highlights the ongoing issue of defamation and the misuse of social media platforms in Nigeria.
This legal battle between Mercy Chinwo and VeryDarkMan is significant because it brings to light the dangers and consequences of spreading false information on social media. As the case unfolds, it raises important questions about online responsibility and accountability, especially as more people turn to social media to express opinions or share information.
Background on the Defamation Lawsuit
Defamation lawsuits are not new in Nigeria, where individuals and organizations have used the courts to protect their reputations against false statements. The Nigerian legal system provides avenues for people to seek redress for defamation, whether through criminal or civil actions. In this case, Chinwo opted to pursue both criminal and civil remedies, seeking to hold VDM accountable not only for the harm caused to her public image but also for the broader implications of spreading false information online.
The involvement of the Cybercrime Act is also noteworthy, as it reflects the increasing recognition of online defamation and cybercrimes in Nigerian law. The Act, introduced in 2015, aims to curb various forms of internet-related offenses, including cyberbullying, identity theft, and online defamation. This case highlights how the law is being applied in real-time to protect citizens from the negative effects of harmful online content.
Public Reaction to the Case
The arrest order for VeryDarkMan has sparked a wide range of reactions from Nigerians, particularly those active on social media. Supporters of Mercy Chinwo have expressed their satisfaction with the court’s decision, praising her courage to stand up for her reputation. They see the case as a positive step toward holding people accountable for their actions online.
On the other hand, VDM’s supporters have criticized the court’s decision, accusing it of being an overreach. They argue that the arrest order could be seen as an attack on free speech and a warning to those who express opinions online. However, many legal experts argue that defamation laws are crucial to maintaining order and preventing people from using the internet to damage others’ reputations with false claims.
Conclusion
As the legal proceedings continue, both Mercy Chinwo and VeryDarkMan are set to face significant challenges. Chinwo is fighting to clear her name and seek justice, while VDM must now address the charges of defamation and the serious consequences of failing to appear in court. The case serves as an important reminder of the potential dangers of social media and the need for greater responsibility when sharing information online.
The outcome of this case could set a precedent for how similar cases will be handled in the future. For now, the arrest warrant for VDM stands as a strong reminder that the law will act decisively to protect individuals from defamatory actions that threaten their reputation and well-being.
