Mercy Chinwo vs. VeryDarkMan: Inside the Explosive ₦1.1 Billion Defamation Lawsuit

A Legal Showdown That Could Reshape Online Commentary in Nigeria

Gospel powerhouse Mercy Chinwo is taking a decisive stand against social media commentator VeryDarkMan (VDM) in a defamation lawsuit that has set the entertainment industry ablaze. The legal battle, filed at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja, demands ₦1.1 billion in damages over allegations that Chinwo misappropriated performance fees without fulfilling contractual obligations.

This case raises critical questions about free speech, online accountability, and the legal consequences of viral accusations.

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What Sparked the Dispute? A Breakdown of the Allegations

The controversy erupted when VeryDarkMan accused Mercy Chinwo of secretly collecting performance payments totaling $345,000 without remitting the required share to her former record label, EeZee Conceptz, led by Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu (EeZee Tee).

VDM’s claims, spread across his widely-followed social media platforms, painted Chinwo as contractually dishonest, igniting heated debates among fans and industry stakeholders.

However, Chinwo’s legal team has dismissed the allegations as “baseless, defamatory, and damaging”, arguing that the accusations have severely tarnished her professional reputation and caused financial losses.

In a bold legal move, Chinwo filed a lawsuit on March 3, 2025, through her attorney Pelumi Olajengbesi of Law Corridor. The case demands:

✔ ₦1 billion in general damages for reputational harm.
✔ ₦100 million in aggravated and punitive damages for emotional and financial distress.
✔ ₦25 million to cover legal expenses and court fees.
✔ A public retraction and formal apology from VDM on all social media platforms and two major Nigerian newspapers.
✔ 10% annual interest on the total judgment sum until full settlement.

In addition to the civil suit, the Chief Magistrate Court in Wuse Zone 6, Abuja, issued a criminal summons against VeryDarkMan on March 5, 2025. He is required to appear in court on March 13, 2025, to face criminal defamation charges under:

▶ Section 391 of the Penal Code – addressing false and damaging statements.
▶ Section 24(1)(B) of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015 – governing harmful digital communication.

Despite the media storm, VeryDarkMan has yet to issue an official statement on the lawsuit or criminal summons. His legal team, led by Deji Adeyanju, has hinted at mounting a defense, arguing that:

➤ Expressing opinions on public figures should not be criminalized.
➤ The burden of proof lies on the plaintiff (Chinwo) to demonstrate actual damage.

This suggests that VDM may challenge the case on free speech grounds, potentially making this one of Nigeria’s most high-profile digital defamation cases.

This defamation case isn’t happening in a vacuum. It ties directly into a larger financial dispute between Chinwo and her former record label boss, EeZee Tee.

Notably, on February 17, 2025, a Federal High Court in Lagos upheld an arrest warrant against EeZee Tee, linked to fraudulent conversion allegations. His case is scheduled for arraignment on March 6, 2025.

This raises a critical question—was VDM’s exposé truly independent investigative journalism, or was it influenced by the ongoing Chinwo–EeZee Tee legal conflict?

The Mercy Chinwo vs. VeryDarkMan case is more than a celebrity dispute—it’s a landmark legal battle that could redefine how social media influencers discuss public figures and contractual disputes.

Key Legal Takeaways:

✔ Reputation vs. Free Speech: Courts will decide where to draw the line between social media criticism and defamation.
✔ Financial Consequences of Virality: If found guilty, VDM could face financial ruin due to the enormous damages claimed.
✔ A Warning to Online Commentators: This case will serve as a cautionary tale for influencers who make unverified allegations.

The lawsuit and criminal defamation case will unfold in the coming weeks, with two key legal dates to watch:

📅 March 6, 2025: EeZee Tee’s fraud case hearing.
📅 March 13, 2025: VeryDarkMan’s first court appearance.

Possible Outcomes:

✅ Victory for Chinwo: If the court rules in her favor, VDM will be legally required to pay ₦1.1 billion and issue a public apology.
✅ VDM’s Legal Win: If his team successfully argues for free speech protections, this could limit future defamation lawsuits against social media personalities.
✅ Out-of-Court Settlement: If both parties seek to avoid prolonged litigation, a confidential settlement agreement could be reached.

This legal battle transcends a mere celebrity dispute—it’s a turning point for digital accountability. Whether Mercy Chinwo wins her ₦1.1 billion claim or VeryDarkMan successfully defends his statements, the outcome will reshape how Nigerian courts handle online defamation in the age of social media influence.

As the legal proceedings unfold, the entertainment industry and digital community alike await a precedent-setting verdict.