Court stops VeryDarkman from publishing defamatory materials against Mercy Chinwo
Verydarkman VDM
Justice Aliyu Yunusa Shafa of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Nyanya, Abuja, has granted a restraining order against blogger Martins Vincent Otse (aka VeryDarkman) from publishing defamatory materials against gospel artist Mercy Chinwo.
The order was issued following an ex parte motion filed by Chinwo in the case with No. GWD/CV/39/2025 and motion No. FCT/HC/NY/M/137/2025. Justice Shafa restrained VeryDarkman from “further posting, publishing, sharing, circulating, disseminating, or broadcasting through any social media platform or electronic means, any information, statement, or comment whatsoever, in respect of or against Mercy Chinwo or on any issue related to the subject matter of this suit, pending the hearing and determination of the motion on notice.”
In a related development, a Chief Magistrate Court in Wuse Zone 6, Abuja, issued a bench warrant for the arrest of VeryDarkman on charges of “criminal defamation” of Mercy Chinwo. The magistrate ordered the Nigeria Police Force, along with other law enforcement agencies, to arrest VeryDarkman and produce him in court to face the criminal allegations leveled against him.
Chief Magistrate Emmanuel Iyanna issued the bench warrant after VeryDarkman failed to appear before the court on March 5, 2025, despite being summoned. Although VeryDarkman’s lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, appealed to the magistrate to reconsider the bench warrant, stating that he would personally produce his client in court, the magistrate rejected the appeal and insisted that security agencies produce VeryDarkman.
The bench warrant stems from defamatory statements made by VDM on social media, accusing Chinwo of being involved in a contractual dispute and the alleged diversion of $345,000 related to her former record label boss, Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu, also known as Eezee Tee.
In support of her claims, Chinwo presented documentary evidence to the court, including emails and payment receipts, to demonstrate that VDM’s allegations were completely false, damaging, and harmful to her public image and reputation.
Chinwo’s legal team, led by Pelumi Olajengbesi of the Abuja-based law firm Law Corridor, stated that the actions of the defendant violated Section 391 of the Penal Code and Section 24 (1)(B) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act of 2015.
Furthermore, Chinwo’s counsel filed a separate lawsuit in the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, seeking N1.1 billion in damages against VDM. They also requested an order compelling VeryDarkman to delete, retract, and issue a public apology for all the allegedly false and defamatory statements made against Chinwo and her brand.
