Mercy Chinwo Files N1.1B Lawsuit Against VeryDarkMan
Popular gospel singer Mercy Chinwo has initiated legal action against social media commentator Martins Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan, for alleged defamation. The lawsuit, dated March 3, seeks N1.1 billion in damages over statements made by VeryDarkMan in February, accusing Chinwo of financial misconduct regarding her former record label, owned by Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu, also known as EeZee T.
VeryDarkMan had alleged that Chinwo failed to remit funds from performances to EeZee T’s label and violated her contractual obligations before parting ways with the record label. These claims, according to Chinwo’s legal representative, Pelumi Olajengbesi, are false, damaging, and intended to tarnish her public image.
Olajengbesi described VeryDarkMan’s remarks as “libellous, malicious, and damaging.” He emphasised that the social media commentator was never involved in the dispute between Chinwo and EeZee T but had misrepresented the matter to his audience.
According to the legal filing, VeryDarkMan shared multiple videos on his social media platforms that allegedly portrayed Chinwo in a negative light. These posts, the lawyer argued, were intended to ridicule and discredit the gospel singer.
“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 T in any material particular,” the lawsuit states.
Additionally, Chinwo’s legal team asserts that the statements made by VeryDarkMan falsely implied his direct involvement in the dispute, leading to reputational damage.
Chinwo is seeking a court order requiring VeryDarkMan to delete all allegedly defamatory posts from his social media platforms. Furthermore, she is demanding a public retraction and an unreserved apology published in two widely circulated national newspapers and across his social media pages.
Olajengbesi has also requested the following compensations:
- N1 billion as general damages for defamation
- N100 million for punitive and aggravated damages
- N25 million to cover the cost of the suit
- A 10% interest rate per annum on the judgement sum until full payment
Additionally, the lawsuit demands that VeryDarkMan publish the public apology in four national newspapers for 14 consecutive days.
This legal battle is unfolding amid an ongoing dispute between Chinwo and EeZee T. In January, the gospel singer accused EeZee T of exploitation, making threats against her, and spreading false claims about her child’s paternity.
This lawsuit underscores the increasing legal implications of unverified claims made on social media and highlights the need for responsible commentary in public discourse. As the case unfolds, it remains to be seen how the court will rule on the defamation claims and financial demands made by Chinwo’s legal team.
RELATED: ‘I Have God’: Mercy Chinwo Responds to EeZee Concepts
Content Credit| Oyedepo Oluwafifedoyinsola
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