An Abuja Chief Magistrate Court in Wuse Zone 6 has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of social media activist Martins Otse, known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), following a criminal defamation case filed by gospel singer Mercy Chinwo. The warrant was issued by Magistrate Emmanuel Iyana after VDM failed to appear in court as summoned on March 5, 2025. 

Chinwo's lawsuit alleges that VDM made defamatory statements on social media, accusing her of diverting $345,000 in a contractual dispute with her former record label boss, Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu (Eezee Tee). Chinwo has provided documentary evidence, including emails and payment receipts, to refute these allegations, asserting that they are false and damaging to her reputation. 

VDM's legal counsel, Deji Adeyanju, appealed to the court to reconsider the arrest order, promising to ensure his client's appearance at the next hearing. However, Magistrate Iyana declined this request, maintaining the arrest warrant. 

The court has directed the Nigeria Police Force and other law enforcement agencies to arrest VDM and present him before the court to address the allegations against him.