Nigerian actress Iyabo Ojo has responded to the N500 million lawsuit filed against her by singer Naira Marley, turning the tables by demanding N1 billion from the artist for allegedly misleading the public.

In a statement on her Instagram page, Ojo expressed her dissatisfaction with the way the legal action was brought to her notice.

Earlier, lawyers representing Naira Marley had demanded a public apology and N500 million in damages, citing a September 2023 Instagram post by Ojo.

The post allegedly accused Marley of engaging in “spiritual and physical dealings” with the late singer Mohbad, causing him “mental harm.”

In her response, Iyabo Ojo filed a complaint against Naira Marley, claiming that he neglected to personally or by mail serve her with the case, raising concerns about potential blackmail.

The actress demanded a sum of N1 billion from the singer for what she perceives as deliberately misleading the public.

“Our client finds your client’s demands spurious, frivolous, and clout-chasing but shall initiate an action in case your client fails to do so. Our client shall be claiming the sum of N1 billion,” stated Ojo’s counsel, O. I. Salami Esq.

Ojo further accused Naira Marley of attempting social media blackmail, emphasizing the importance of professionalism and ethical conduct in the legal profession

Ojo’s counsel also stated, “Our client believes law is a noble profession administered by the best of brains both on the bench and from the bar, hence the burden of truth, dignity, mutual respect, civility and decorum placed on the shoulders of legal practitioners, are crucial in the administration of justice thus the age description, counsel are ministers in the temple of justice.”

Iyabo Ojo demanded an unreserved apology letter from Naira Marley for releasing the lawsuit to the public without ensuring it was delivered and served on her.