VDM arrest: Fresh controversy as Mercy Chinwo faces alleged involvement claims

A new wave of controversy has hit the Nigerian social media space following the arrest of outspoken critic, Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), with gospel singer Mercy Chinwo now facing allegations of being behind the clampdown.

VDM’s latest arrest, which took place on May 2, has set the social media on fire with neither the police nor the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) confirming responsibility or providing details on the charges.

In a surprising twist, prominent Nollywood filmmaker Stanley Ontop has publicly accused Mercy Chinwo of playing a role in VDM’s detention. The claim comes amid an ongoing legal battle between Chinwo and VDM over defamation. The critic had previously accused the singer of diverting $345,000 linked to her former record label boss, Eezee Tee, a statement that sparked a lawsuit and a court-issued arrest warrant.

Taking to social media, Stanley alleged that after he messaged Chinwo and her husband on Instagram to advocate for VDM’s release, the gospel couple responded by blocking him.

“Mercy Chinwo blocked me on IG last night because I told her and her husband to free VDM,” he wrote. “It’s laughable how a minister of God would just block me for saying the truth. Next, they will use police to harass me now, watch.”

Stanley further emphasized that he is not afraid of the consequences and will continue to speak out against what he views as injustice.

As the situation unfolds, Nigerians continue to demand clarity from law enforcement agencies on VDM’s arrest, while conversations around the role of celebrities in silencing critics intensify.