Gospel singer, Mercy Chinwo, has sued social media commentator, Martins Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan, for defamation and is demanding N1.1 billion in damages.
The lawsuit, dated March 3, 2025, was filed by Chinwo’s lawyer, Pelumi Olajengbesi, who described VDM’s remarks as “libellous, malicious, and damaging” to the singer’s reputation.
In February, VDM accused Chinwo of diverting funds from shows without paying her former record label, owned by Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu, popularly known as EeZee Tee. He also alleged that Chinwo breached her contract with the label before leaving.
However, Olajengbesi argued that VDM was not involved in the dispute between Chinwo and EeZee Tee but falsely presented the matter as though he had personal knowledge of it.
“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 EeZee Tee in any material particular,” the lawyer stated.
He added that VDM’s videos gave the impression that he was directly involved, but his statements were “false, damaging, and injurious” to Chinwo’s public image.
The ongoing dispute between Chinwo and EeZee Tee gained public attention in January when Chinwo accused him of exploitation, threats to her life, and spreading false rumours about her child’s paternity.
In a video posted on Instagram, Chinwo claimed that EeZee Tee’s threats forced her to leave Lagos for Port Harcourt, Rivers State, for her safety.
Without mentioning his name, she said, “He threatened my life, and I had to leave Lagos to seek safety.”
The case against VDM is now awaiting a court hearing.
