Singer Adewale Emmanuel, popularly known has Mayorkun, has initiated a N1bn lawsuit against TikTok influencer Precious Kingsley, known as Nicki DaBarbie.
Nicki DaBarbie had caused a stir on social media by accusing Mayorkun and Skiibii of involvement in ritualistic practices, alleging that they tried to coerce her into participating in occult rituals and claiming that she escaped after fervent prayer.
Narrating her ordeal, the influencer wrote: “They will try hard to clear their names. I might die. I might not have much evidence. They will do everything to tarnish my name to save Skiibii. But at least you guys should believe me. I was invited for a boat cruise and since then, I haven’t gotten myself.
“I went there with no bad intentions…I was alone at home and was less busy and decided to go. I felt it was safe because he’s a public figure, and we spoke for a while before I even accepted the boat cruise. It was never about money. I’m not a prostitute.”
In response to the situation, Mayorkun has taken legal action against Barbie for what he perceives as defamatory remarks targeting his character and reputation.
In the letter shared on the singer’s Instagram story reads in part: “Our client’s attention has been drawn to your online post in the early hours of the 19th day of April 2024 made via your Instagram wherein you categorically labeled our client as a ritualist and accused him alongside other individuals of a bodily harm.
“First and foremost, our client denies all allegations made as they are baseless, bizarre, and untrue, we are also aware that our client has neither met with you privately nor had any personal dealings/ relationship with you which further buttresses our assertion that your statements are unfounded and frivolous.
“Your unscrupulous remarks against our client have undoubtedly caused him financial loss and emotional trauma and have also greatly interfered with his reputation and good standing in the eyes of any right-thinking person in society.
“Your reckless and baseless accusations not only constitute defamation but also violate the rights of our client under Nigerian Law, We remind you that defamation is an extremely serious offence attracting dire consequences that are tortious and in contravention of the Criminal Code Act which criminalizes the publication of a matter likely to injure the reputation of any person by exposing them to hatred, contempt or ridicule, or likely to damage any person in their profession or trade by injury to their reputation.”
Mayorkun demanded that Barbie remove the offensive post from all her social media platforms within 24 hours, issue a public apology through a video and written statement published in two national newspapers, refrain from making any further defamatory comments against him, and compensate him with a minimum of N1 billion for the emotional distress caused by her actions.
