Magistrate Orders Police To Apprehend VeryDarkMan Over Alleged Criminal Defamation of Mercy Chinwo

Magistrate Emmanuel Iyanna issued the order on Thursday, March 13, 2025, after VDM failed to appear in court despite a prior summons on March 5, 2025. The court directed the Nigeria Police Force and other law enforcement agencies to arrest and produce him for trial.

VDM’s lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, pleaded with the court to reconsider the arrest order, assuring that he would personally ensure his client’s appearance. However, Magistrate Iyanna rejected the appeal, insisting that law enforcement must bring VDM before the court.

The bench warrant follows allegations that VDM made defamatory claims on social media, accusing Chinwo of involvement in a contractual dispute and the alleged diversion of $345,000 linked to her former record label boss, Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu, also known as Eezee Tee.

Chinwo, through her legal team led by Pelumi Olajengbesi of Law Corridor, submitted documentary evidence, including emails and payment receipts, refuting the claims and asserting that VDM’s statements were false and damaging to her reputation.

The prosecution argues that VDM’s actions violate Section 391 of the Penal Code and Section 24(1)(B) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015.

Additionally, Chinwo has filed a separate lawsuit before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, demanding N1.1 billion in damages. She is also seeking an order compelling VDM to delete, retract, and publicly apologize for the alleged defamatory statements.