Mercy Chinwo files ₦1.1 billion defamation lawsuit against VeryDarkMan.
Nigerian gospel singer Mercy Chinwo has taken legal action against social media commentator Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), over alleged defamatory statements. Chinwo, through her lawyer Pelumi Olajengbesi, filed a lawsuit at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja on March 3, 2025. She is seeking ₦1.1 billion in damages, which includes ₦1 billion for general damages, ₦100 million for punitive and aggravated damages, and an additional ₦25 million to cover legal costs. The case stems from VDM’s social media posts in February 2025, where he accused Chinwo of misappropriating funds meant for her former record label, EeZee Conceptz, led by Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu (EeZee Tee). Her legal team argues that these claims are false, malicious, and damaging to her reputation.
As part of her demands, Chinwo is requesting that VDM delete the alleged defamatory posts and issue a public apology. She is also asking for a retraction to be published in four national newspapers for 14 consecutive days. According to her lawyer, VDM had no direct involvement in the dispute between Chinwo and EeZee Tee but portrayed himself as if he had insider knowledge. This lawsuit comes amid an ongoing legal battle between Chinwo and her former label, with the singer previously accusing EeZee Tee of withholding around $345,000 in digital revenue and live performance earnings. The label executive has denied these allegations, further complicating the situation.
Meanwhile, a related legal case against EeZee Tee has also been making headlines. A Federal High Court in Lagos recently upheld an arrest warrant issued against him over financial disputes with Chinwo, with further hearings scheduled for March 6, 2025. As the legal battle unfolds, many fans and industry observers are keenly watching to see how both cases will play out. Chinwo’s lawsuit against VeryDarkMan highlights the growing impact of social media on legal disputes, as public figures increasingly turn to the courts to challenge potentially harmful narratives.
