- Mercy Chinwo is demanding N1 billion in damages and a public apology from VeryDarkMan for alleged defamatory statements on social media
- The controversy arose after VeryDarkMan accused Chinwo of being involved in a contractual dispute and diverting $345,000 linked to her former record label boss, EeZee Tee
- Chinwo’s legal team has issued a demand for VeryDarkMan to delete all defamatory posts, issue a public retraction, and publish an apology in four national newspapers for at least 14 consecutive days
Gospel singer Mercy Chinwo has filed a N1 billion defamation lawsuit against social media critic Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
The lawsuit stems from alleged defamatory statements made by VeryDarkMan on social media, where he accused Chinwo of being involved in a contractual dispute and diverting $345,000 linked to her former record label boss, Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu, who is also known as EeZee Tee.
In the writ of summons, Chinwo's lawyer, Pelumi Olajengbesi, is seeking a court order to compel VeryDarkMan to delete defamatory posts, issue a public retraction, and publish an apology across his social media platforms and national newspapers.
Chinwo has reportedly presented documentary evidence, including emails and payment receipts, to prove that VeryDarkMan's allegations are false and damaging to her reputation. Her legal team argues that the accusations have caused significant harm to her public image, professional credibility, and emotional well-being.
The lawsuit comes amid an ongoing legal case against EeZee Tee, with a Federal High Court in Lagos ruling that the arrest warrant against him remains valid.
As part of her demands, Chinwo is seeking N1 billion in general damages for defamation, N100 million in punitive and aggravated damages, and N25 million to cover the cost of the lawsuit.
She also requested a court order requiring VeryDarkMan to pay an annual 10 percent interest on the judgment sum until full payment is made. and publish an apology in four national dailies for at least 14 consecutive days.
Netizens weigh in on Mercy Chinwo's legal action against VeryDarkMan
Here are some reactions below:
@perrylove558 commented: “Body of Christ indeed u are not ashamed of ur self@mercy chinwo.”
@onwuachichris81 commented: “Thought she is a Christian + who would actually make Heaven?”
@iam_magickay commented: “Welcome to Nigeria.. a country where you get sued for asking a question instead of getting answers be like the word defamation get another meaning for this country.”
@kelvin_kertzz commented: “The d'ay you realize that we have môre illiterates than Literates in Nigeria then you would understand why people like VDM, Saidaboj and their likes have a huge f'an base more than sensible role models in the society.”
@udemezue_fortunatus commented: “Make God fight for you ma... Abi the God wey you de sing for us no de work again... Una de decieve us with this Christianity thing... me i go de follow una de allow God work for me why una go the go court with escorts everywhere.”
@kenraycomedyhub commented: “Go and join the list of those that lost against VDM.”
@mrfynest001 commented: “1.1 billion na dia you go take know say dem no serious, where VDM wan see dat money give.”
@abiritomi commented: “They should just recruit VDM as a staff at the court, he keeps bringing funds indirectly into the court house.”
@ngozi.denis commented: “All of you shout body of Christ no suppose bla bla bla At a point Jesus comot cane! You defame my personality I ask the Lord like David, if he says pursue, ifu nke toro biati! #phewwww.”
@thestudentconnecty commented: “Body of christ no fit allow God fight her battles?”
@Replbeststrings_musiq commented: “Body of Christ and court na 5&6. Why not let Christ fight for you.”
@healthcheker commented: “Well, nobody is surprised. VDM runs his mouth like water.”
@epianoh commented: “Hehhehehehhehe shout out to the body of Christ!”
@ysong commented: “Make court give VDM Discount. He's been there too often.”
@luxuryhairbynaijabosslady commented: “The man deserves it >>>>>>
Are you the only one? He isn't even doing active activism he opted for anymore rather judging people.”
Nedu Wazobia issues pre-action notice to VeryDarkMan over defamatory allegations
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that Nedu Wazobia has served VeryDarkMan a pre-action notice for alleged defamatory statements regarding the NGO scholarship scandal. l
The on-air personality's lawyers demanded a retraction, an apology, and N500 million in damages from VeryDarkMan.
This comes after VeryDarkMan accused Nedu of diverting NGO scholarship funds meant for Nigerians, sparking intense debate on social media.