Details: Mercy Chinwo Sues VeryDarkMan for N1.1 Billion Over Defamation in EeZee Tee Dispute
Gospel singer Mercy Chinwo has filed a lawsuit against social media critic VeryDarkMan (VDM) for alleged defamation.
Last month, VDM made a series of Instagram posts accusing Chinwo of diverting funds from her performances without remitting them to her former record label, owned by Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu. He also claimed that Chinwo violated contractual agreements with the label before their separation.
In the lawsuit, dated March 3 and shared with TheCable Lifestyle, Chinwo’s lawyer, Pelumi Olajengbesi, stated that VDM made “libelous, malicious, spiteful, malevolent, and grossly defamatory statements that damage the image and character” of the singer.
Olajengbesi argued that VDM, who was not directly involved in the dispute between Chinwo and EeZee Tee, misrepresented the singer in a harmful and biased manner. He noted, “The claimant asserts that she has had no relationship with the defendant, nor was the defendant involved in the issues between the claimant and EeZee Tee in any material way.”
Furthermore, the lawyer emphasized that the statements made by VDM in his Instagram videos suggested that he was personally engaged in the disputes surrounding Chinwo and EeZee Tee. “However, these statements were not only false but also damaging and harmful to the claimant’s public image and reputation,” he added.
According to court documents, Chinwo is seeking N1 billion in general damages, N100 million in punitive and aggravated damages, and an additional N25 million to cover the costs of the lawsuit.
The singer has also requested that the court order VDM to delete the alleged defamatory posts, issue a public apology, and publish retractions in four national newspapers for 14 consecutive days.
The conflict between Mercy Chinwo and Eezee Concept started when she left the label, alleging that Onyedikachukwu exploited her and diverted approximately $345,000 from her digital platforms and events without disclosing the transactions or remitting her share. While Onyedikachukwu, commonly known as EeZee Tee, has denied these allegations, Chinwo has maintained that she is a victim of contract fraud.
In response to the claims, the record label boss has called for an audit amid accusations of financial misconduct. On February 17, a federal high court in Lagos upheld the arrest warrant against him and adjourned the case to March 6. Read More
