Controversial blogger Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan, has been summoned by a Chief Magistrate’s Court in Wuse Zone 6, Abuja, over allegations of criminal defamation against gospel singer Mercy Chinwo.
The court issued the summons on March 5, 2025, ordering VeryDarkMan to appear in person on March 13, 2025, to address the charges. Chief Magistrate Emmanuel Iyanna issued the directive after Chinwo accused the blogger of making damaging statements about her on social media.
The controversy stems from VeryDarkMan’s posts, in which he alleged that Chinwo misappropriated $345,000 linked to her former record label boss, Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu, also known as Eezee Tee. Chinwo has denied the claims, presenting emails, receipts, and other documents to disprove the allegations.
Chinwo’s legal team, led by Pelumi Olajengbesi of Law Corridor, filed a criminal complaint against VeryDarkMan, citing violations of Sections 391 of the Penal Code and Section 24(1)(B) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015.
In addition to the criminal charges, Chinwo has initiated a N1.1 billion defamation lawsuit against the blogger at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. The lawsuit seeks to compel VeryDarkMan to remove all defamatory posts, issue a public apology, and retract his statements.
Meanwhile, a related case involving Eezee Tee is pending at the Federal High Court in Lagos. On February 17, 2025, the court upheld an arrest warrant against the record label executive over allegations of fraudulent conversion. His arraignment is scheduled for March 6, 2025.
Chinwo’s lawyers argue that VeryDarkMan’s posts, made on February 2, 3, 4, 5, 12, and 17, were designed to damage her reputation and mislead the public. They claim the false allegations have caused significant harm to her career, reputation, and emotional well-being.
As the court date approaches, attention is focused on March 13, when VeryDarkMan is expected to appear before the magistrate to respond to the charges.
