A Nigerian court has summoned popular Social media influencer, Martins Vincent Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), to appear before it on March 13, 2025. The summons is in connection with a defamation suit filed by gospel singer, Mercy Chinwo.
VDM is accused of making defamatory statements against Chinwo on social media, alleging her involvement in a contractual dispute and the diversion of $345,000 linked to her former record label boss, Eezee Tee. Chinwo has denied these allegations, providing documentary evidence to support her claims.
The court summons is the latest development in the ongoing defamation case, which has also seen VDM dragged before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. In that case, Chinwo’s lawyers are seeking N1.1 billion in damages against VDM.
VDM’s lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, has responded to the summons, stating that his client’s comments cannot be criminalized. The case has sparked debate about the limits of free speech and the responsibility of social media influencers.
The outcome of this case will be closely followed, as it could have implications for online speech and the use of social media in Nigeria.
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