Mercy Chinwo Fights Back: Sues VeryDarkMan for ₦1 Billion Over ‘Malicious Lies’

Renowned Nigerian gospel singer Mercy Chinwo has filed a ₦1 billion defamation lawsuit against social media commentator Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM). The lawsuit, submitted to the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory in Abuja, stems from a series of online allegations that Chinwo claims have severely damaged her reputation.

Born on September 5, 1990, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Mercy Chinwo is a celebrated Nigerian gospel artist known for her soul-stirring music and powerful vocals. She gained national recognition after winning Nigerian Idol in 2012 and has since become a household name in the gospel music industry. Her hit songs, including Excess Love and Chinedum, have earned her multiple awards and a devoted fan base. Known for her faith-driven lyrics and strong Christian values, Chinwo has maintained a positive public image throughout her career.

Martins Vincent Otse, widely recognized as VeryDarkMan, is a Nigerian social media influencer and self-proclaimed activist. With a significant online following, he has built a reputation for his outspoken critiques of public figures, often using Instagram as his primary platform. While he positions himself as an advocate for truth and accountability, his bold and unfiltered commentary has frequently led to legal disputes.

The dispute began in February 2025 when VeryDarkMan posted a series of Instagram videos accusing Chinwo of financial misconduct related to her departure from her former record label, EeZee Conceptz, managed by Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu (EeZee Tee). He alleged that Chinwo failed to remit funds from her performances to the label, breached her contract, and misappropriated payments. Chinwo‘s legal team argues that these claims, which reached millions of viewers, painted her in a “caricaturist and disdainful” light, unfairly favouring EeZee Tee’s side of the dispute.

In a lawsuit filed on March 3, 2025, through her lawyer Pelumi Olajengbesi, Chinwo asserts that VeryDarkMan’s statements are “libellous, malicious, and grossly defamatory.” The suit highlights that he had no direct involvement in the dispute yet deliberately misrepresented the situation to tarnish her reputation.

To substantiate her case, Chinwo has presented documentary evidence, including emails and payment receipts, to refute VeryDarkMan’s allegations. She claims his social media posts have caused “significant harm” to her public image, professional standing, and emotional well-being.

She is seeking ₦1 billion in general damages for defamation, ₦100 million in punitive and aggravated damages, ₦25 million to cover legal expenses, a 10% annual interest on the judgment sum until fully paid, an order for VeryDarkMan to delete all defamatory posts, a public retraction and apology on his social media platforms, and the publication of the apology in two national newspapers and four dailies for 14 consecutive days.

Chinwo’s lawsuit is tied to an ongoing conflict with her former label boss, EeZee Tee. Following her departure from EeZee Conceptz, she accused him of financial exploitation, claiming he diverted approximately $345,000 from her digital earnings and events. She also alleged he spread false rumours about her child’s paternity and threatened her safety, prompting her relocation from Lagos to Port Harcourt.

EeZee Tee has denied the allegations and is calling for an audit to address the claims of financial misconduct. Meanwhile, on February 17, 2025, a Federal High Court in Lagos upheld an arrest warrant against him for alleged fraudulent conversion, with his arraignment scheduled for March 6, 2025.

This lawsuit adds to VeryDarkMan’s growing list of legal troubles, reflecting the risks associated with his controversial online persona.