Gospel singer Mercy Chinwo has filed a lawsuit against social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. She is seeking N1.1 billion in damages over alleged defamatory posts he made concerning her ongoing contractual dispute with her former record label boss, Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu, also known as EezeeTee.
Chinwo’s lawyer, Pelumi Olajengbesi, stated in the suit that VDM must delete and retract the alleged false statements and publicly apologize for defaming her and tarnishing her brand. The posts in question, made on February 2, 3, 4, 5, 12, and 17, 2025, accused Chinwo of bypassing her record label to independently secure shows and retain earnings without remitting funds to the label.
The lawsuit comes amid a separate legal case involving EezeeTee, who faces allegations of diverting $345,000 in royalties. A Federal High Court in Lagos recently upheld an arrest warrant against him, with his arraignment set for March 6, 2025.
Chinwo asserts that VDM’s videos and social media posts have caused significant harm to her reputation, professional standing, and emotional well-being. She provided the court with documents and evidence to prove that the claims made against her were false and damaging.
The suit outlines several demands, including:
- A court order directing VDM to remove all defamatory posts.
- A public apology published in national newspapers and across social media platforms.
- Payment of N1 billion in general damages for defamation.
- An additional N100 million in punitive and aggravated damages.
- N25 million to cover the cost of the lawsuit.
- A 10% annual interest on the judgment sum until full payment.
The case underscores the growing legal tensions between artists, record labels, and social media commentators in Nigeria’s entertainment industry.