Popular gospel singer Mercy Chinwo has taken legal action against social media influencer Martins Otse, known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), over alleged defamation.
In February, VDM accused Chinwo of misappropriating funds from her performances and failing to pay her former record label, owned by Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu (EeZee Tee).
He also claimed she breached her contract with the label before leaving.
Chinwo’s lawyer, Pelumi Olajengbesi, filed a lawsuit on March 3, describing VDM’s statements as false, malicious, and harmful to her reputation.
He argued that VDM, who was not involved in the dispute, made misleading claims that negatively impacted Chinwo’s public image.
The lawsuit alleges that VDM posted multiple videos mocking and misrepresenting Chinwo while favouring EeZee Tee’s side of the dispute.
Legal Demands
Chinwo is requesting the court to:
1. Order VDM to delete the defamatory posts from all his social media platforms.
2. Require him to issue a public apology on his social media pages and in two widely circulated national newspapers.
3. Pay ₦1 billion in general damages for defamation.
4. Pay ₦100 million in punitive and aggravated damages.
5. Cover ₦25 million in legal costs.
6. Pay 10% annual interest on the total judgment sum until full payment is made.
7. Publish the apology in four national newspapers for at least 14 consecutive days.
Previous Allegations
In January, Chinwo accused her former label boss, EeZee Tee, of exploitation, threats to her life, and spreading false rumours about her child’s paternity. She claimed these threats forced her to leave Lagos for safety.
The legal battle between Chinwo and VDM is part of an ongoing dispute that has drawn significant public attention.
