 over allegations of defamation.){kind=link}
A Chief Magistrate Court in Abuja has issued a bench warrant for the arrest of social media activist Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), over allegations of defamation.
The court’s decision comes after a thorough examination of the evidence presented in the case by renowned gospel singer Mercy Chinwo.
The defamation case against VeryDarkMan originated from a statement he allegedly made on his social media page, claiming that Mercy Chinwo was involved in a contractual dispute and diverted $345,000 linked to her former record label boss, Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu (Eezee Tee). Chinwo claimed that the statement was false and damaging to her reputation.
After reviewing the evidence, the court found VeryDarkMan guilty of defamation and ordered his arrest. The court’s ruling was based on the fact that VeryDarkMan’s actions were deemed to be malicious and damaging to Chinwo’s reputation.
The court’s ruling has significant implications for VeryDarkMan, as it may damage his reputation and lead to financial losses. The ruling also serves as a warning to others who may engage in similar behavior, highlighting the importance of respecting individuals’ and organizations’ reputations.
Defamation laws in Nigeria provide protection against false and damaging statements. In this case, the court found that VeryDarkMan’s actions constituted defamation under Sections 391 of the Penal Code and Section 24 (1)(B) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention etc) Act 2015.
The case raises important questions about freedom of speech and the limits of expression. While individuals have the right to express themselves freely, they must also respect the rights of others and avoid making false and damaging statements.
The court’s ruling in the defamation case against VeryDarkMan highlights the importance of respecting individuals’ and organizations’ reputations. The case serves as a reminder that freedom of speech must be balanced with the need to protect others from harm.