Gospel singer Mercy Chinwo has taken legal action against social media personality Martins Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), over statements he made about her online.
She is seeking N1.1 billion in damages, claiming that his comments damaged her reputation.
The lawsuit, filed on March 3, 2025, at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja, accused VDM of making false and harmful remarks about her.
According to legal documents, these statements painted her in a negative light, affecting her career and public image.
The dispute started when Chinwo had issues with her former record label boss, Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu, popularly known as EeZee Tee.
News About Nigeria gathered that during the controversy, VDM made allegations on social media, accusing her of collecting payments for performances without informing her former label.
He also claimed that she failed to honour parts of her contract before leaving the label.
Chinwo’s lawyer, Pelumi Olajengbesi, stated that VDM was not directly involved in the dispute but still made damaging claims.
The lawsuit argued that his remarks misled the public into believing he had firsthand knowledge of the matter.
The legal team said these statements caused serious harm to the singer’s reputation.
As part of the lawsuit, Chinwo is asking the court to order VDM to delete the defamatory posts from his social media accounts.
She also wants him to issue a public apology in four national newspapers for 14 consecutive days.
In addition to the N1 billion being sought as general damages, the singer is requesting N100 million for punitive damages and N25 million to cover legal costs.
She is also asking for 10 percent interest per year on the judgment sum until full payment is made.
The lawsuit mentioned specific dates in February 2025 when VDM made the alleged defamatory statements.
One of his claims was that Chinwo collected money for shows without informing her former label.
The legal documents described these accusations as false and an attempt to tarnish her image.
The lawsuit also stated that VDM falsely linked Chinwo to the detention of EeZee Tee by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Her legal team argued that this claim subjected her to public shame and emotional distress.
Chinwo’s lawyers said the allegations have had a serious impact on her career and personal life.
They insisted that a public apology is necessary to correct the damage caused.
