Popular gospel singer Mercy Chinwo has filed a lawsuit against social media commentator Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), over alleged defamation.
The legal action comes after VDM accused Chinwo of diverting funds from shows without paying her former record label, owned by Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu (EeZee Tee). He also alleged that she violated her contract before leaving the label.
In a lawsuit dated March 3, 2025, Chinwo’s lawyer, Pelumi Olajengbesi, described VDM’s comments as “libellous, malicious, and damaging” to the singer’s reputation.
The lawsuit claims that VDM, despite having no personal involvement in the dispute, falsely portrayed Chinwo in a negative light while siding with her former label boss. It further alleges that VDM deliberately ridiculed Chinwo in multiple videos shared with his large social media following.
“The Claimant avers that she has neither had any form of relationship with the Defendant nor was the Defendant involved in the issue between the Claimant and Mr. EeZee Tee in any material particular,” the suit reads.
Chinwo is seeking a court order compelling VDM to delete the defamatory posts and issue a public apology across all his social media platforms and in two widely circulated national newspapers.
Additionally, the lawsuit demands:
₦1 billion as general damages for defamation.
₦100 million in punitive and aggravated damages.
₦25 million as the cost of the suit.
10% interest per annum on the judgment sum until full payment.
A published apology in four national dailies for at least 14 consecutive days.
This legal battle follows an ongoing dispute between Chinwo and her former label boss, EeZee Tee. Earlier this year, the singer accused him of exploitation, threats to her life, and spreading false rumors about her child’s paternity.
In a social media video, Chinwo revealed that she had to relocate from Lagos to Port Harcourt for safety, stating, “He threatened my life, and I had to leave Lagos to seek safety.”
