Popular Nigerian social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, better known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), has fired back after a Chief Magistrate Court in Wuse Zone 6, Abuja, issued a bench warrant for his arrest over alleged criminal defamation of gospel singer Mercy Chinwo.
Why the Court Issued an Arrest Warrant
VDM was summoned to appear in court on March 5, 2025, but he failed to show up. As a result, Magistrate Emmanuel Iyanna ordered the Nigeria Police Force and other security agencies to arrest and bring him to court. Despite pleas from VDM’s lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, to delay the warrant, the magistrate stood firm, insisting that law enforcement carry out the order.
VDM Reacts from China: Calls It a Witch Hunt
Currently in China, VDM dismissed the arrest order as unjust and politically motivated. In a video response, he accused the judiciary of weaponizing the law and ignoring his absence from Nigeriawhen the case was filed.
“This is just an attempt to silence me. They think issuing an arrest warrant will stop me from exposing corruption, but they’re wrong,” he declared.
He also alleged that Mercy Chinwo was using her influence to manipulate the case, claiming she was protecting her former record label boss, Eezee Tee (Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu).
Will VDM Return to Nigeria?
VDM made it clear that he won’t be silenced and doesn’t fear arrest. He vowed to continue his activism, stating that returning to Nigeria in handcuffs wouldn’t change anything.
The situation is developing, and all eyes are on whether Nigerian authorities will proceed with efforts to extradite him from China or if a resolution will be reached.
What do you think? Is this a legal battle or an attempt to suppress free speech? Drop your thoughts in the comments!
