Mercy Chinwo Sues VDM For N1.1bn Over Defamation
A Chief Magistrate’s Court located in Wuse Zone 6, Abuja, has issued a summons to the controversial blogger Martins Vincent Otse, widely recognized as VeryDarkMan, in connection with alleged criminal defamation against gospel artist Mercy Chinwo.
The court’s summons, dated March 5, 2025, requires VDM to appear in person on March 13, 2025, to address the allegations presented by Chinwo. Chief Magistrate Emmanuel Iyanna issued this order following assertions that the blogger made harmful statements regarding the singer on social media platforms.
The conflict arises from VDM’s online allegations, in which he accused Chinwo of misappropriating $345,000 purportedly associated with her former record label executive, Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu, known as Eezee Tee. In response, the singer has categorically rejected these claims, providing emails, receipts, and other documentation to refute the allegations.
In the criminal complaint submitted by her legal representatives, led by Pelumi Olajengbesi of Law Corridor, Chinwo contends that VDM’s conduct breaches 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 defamation lawsuit amounting to N1.1 billion against the blogger in the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. This lawsuit seeks a court order mandating VDM to remove all purportedly defamatory posts, issue a public apology, and retract his statements.
Furthermore, a separate legal matter involving Eezee Tee is currently pending before the Federal High Court in Lagos. On February 17, 2025, the court upheld an existing arrest warrant against the record label executive concerning allegations of fraudulent conversion, with his arraignment set for March 6, 2025.
Chinwo’s legal team asserts that VDM’s social media posts, made on February 2, 3, 4, 5, 12, and 17, were designed to damage the singer’s reputation and mislead the public. They argue that these unfounded claims have inflicted considerable reputational harm, professional obstacles, and emotional distress upon their client. With the court summons now issued, attention will be focused on the proceedings scheduled for March.
