Gospel Singer Mercy Chinwo Files N1 Billion Defamation Lawsuit Against VeryDarkMan

Gospel artist Mercy Chinwo has initiated a defamation lawsuit against popular blogger Martins Vincent Otse, known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), at the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Abuja. The suit seeks N1 billion in damages and demands the retraction of defamatory social media posts, as well as a public apology.

Allegations and Legal Action

Chinwo’s legal representative, Pelumi Olajengbesi, filed the lawsuit alleging that VDM made false statements on social media platforms accusing her of involvement in a contractual dispute with her former record label boss, Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu (EeZee Tee). Specifically, VDM claimed Chinwo diverted $345,000 from the record label and failed to remit earnings from gigs.

Olajengbesi stated in court documents that VDM’s posts, published on Instagram between February 2nd and 17th, 2025, were “false, damaging, and intended to harm Chinwo’s public image, professional standing, and emotional well-being.” The lawyer emphasized that VDM’s accusations were made without provocation and included “caricaturist and disdainful portrayals” of Chinwo, falsely positioning himself as directly involved in her dispute with EeZee Tee.

Evidence and Court Proceedings

Chinwo provided documentary evidence, including emails and payment receipts, to refute VDM’s claims. The lawsuit asserts that VDM’s allegations are entirely baseless and have caused significant reputational harm.

A related case involving EeZee Tee was previously adjourned by a Lagos Federal High Court on February 17, 2025, where an arrest warrant for EeZee Tee over alleged financial misconduct was upheld. The court scheduled his arraignment for March 6, 2025.

Relief Sought

The lawsuit demands the following:

1. Removal of Defamatory Content: An order compelling VDM to delete all contested posts from social media.
2. Public Retraction and Apology: A formal retraction of false statements and an unreserved apology published on VDM’s social media platforms and in two national newspapers.
3. Compensation:

• N1 billion as general damages for defamation.
• N100 million as punitive and aggravated damages for “grossly defamatory statements.”
• N25 million for legal costs.
• 10% annual interest on the judgment sum until full payment.

Key Quotes from Legal Counsel

Pelumi Olajengbesi stated:

“The Claimant avers that the statements made by the Defendant were not only false but damning and injurious to her public image and reputation. The Defendant’s portrayal of the Claimant was biased and unfounded, seeking to ridicule her position in the dispute with Mr. EeZee Tee.”

The lawsuit further argues that VDM’s involvement in the matter was entirely speculative:

“The Defendant presented himself as personally invested in the dispute between the Claimant and Mr. EeZee Tee, despite having no material connection to the issue. This was a calculated effort to defame the Claimant.”

Implications

The case underscores the legal risks of social media defamation, particularly when public figures face unfounded allegations. Chinwo’s legal team aims to set a precedent for accountability in online discourse.

mercy Chinwo and VDM

The court is yet to schedule a hearing, but the case has drawn significant attention in Nigeria’s entertainment and legal circles.