Martins Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), was arrested shortly after returning from China, following a warrant reportedly secured by gospel singer Mercy Chinwo over allegations of defamation.
According to reports circulating online, the EFCC and Nigerian Police had declared the social activist wanted, after he failed to report or respond to formal summons despite being notified of the charges against him.While in China, Chinwo allegedly pursued legal channels and obtained an arrest warrant against VDM, accusing him of launching damaging public accusations against her and her husband, Pastor Blessed Uzochikwa. The EFCC and DSS were reportedly alerted, placing VDM on a watchlist.
Upon his return to Nigeria, VDM did not present himself to any law enforcement agency. In a typical defiant tone posted on his platform, he allegedly declared, "I don’t send anyone papa," signaling his refusal to comply voluntarily.
This triggered a forceful response from authorities, who moved to arrest him "anyway and anyhow," according to a source close to the matter. Security operatives reportedly acted on intelligence and apprehended him without delay.
The arrest has sparked heated debates online, with supporters of VDM questioning the use of state institutions to pursue what they see as a personal vendetta, while others argue that defamation and refusal to obey legal orders must be met with consequences.
As of now, the EFCC and DSS have not released official statements detailing the exact charges or next legal steps. VDM’s legal team is expected to respond in the coming days.
