Mercy Chinwo Sues VeryDarkMan for N1.1 Billion Defamation: Deji Adeyanju Responds
In a dramatic twist to the ongoing controversy involving gospel singer Mercy Chinwo and her former record label boss, Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu, also known as EeZee Tee, Chinwo has filed a defamation lawsuit against social media critic Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM). The lawsuit, which demands N1.1 billion in compensation, follows VDM’s allegations against the singer regarding financial mismanagement and a dispute with her former label.
VeryDarkMan made headlines earlier this year after he accused Mercy Chinwo of diverting funds from her shows and failing to settle financial obligations with EeZee Tee. He claimed that Chinwo had diverted $345,000 linked to the record label. VDM’s public statements attracted considerable attention, with many questioning the gospel singer’s financial dealings. In response, Mercy Chinwo’s legal team, led by Pelumi Olajengbesi, filed a lawsuit against the critic.
The legal action demands that VDM delete, retract, and publicly apologize for the defamatory statements he made against Chinwo. The gospel singer’s team has attached supporting documents to substantiate their claims, including emails and payment receipts, to disprove VDM’s accusations. Olajengbesi described VDM’s posts as “libelous, malicious, spiteful, malevolent, and grossly defamatory,” arguing that they tarnished Chinwo’s image and character.
In a reaction to the legal move, VDM’s lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, laughed off the lawsuit. In a tweet dated March 3, 2025, Adeyanju dismissed the seriousness of the suit, claiming that VDM has no money to pay anyone. He wrote, “I heard somebody sued VDM for N1.1 billion and I laughed so hard. What I know is that VDM does not have N100k anywhere in the world to give anyone. People just be wasting their time for nothing.”
Adeyanju’s remarks sparked a wave of reactions, with many commenting on the unfolding legal drama. Some users pointed out the irony of Adeyanju’s stance, questioning why he was now complaining about a legal suit when he had previously supported similar actions. One user remarked, “But you are the one who used to say the rich should not use police but sue the fellow. Now dem don sue your client, you come dey complain.” Another user suggested that if the lawsuit succeeds, VDM could be forced to sell his belongings to satisfy the judgment.
The defamation suit stems from VDM’s accusations against Chinwo in relation to her conflict with EeZee Tee. VDM had publicly accused the singer of shady behavior and financial mismanagement in her dealings with the label. He vowed to investigate the matter further, presenting it in a way that, according to Chinwo’s legal team, unfairly damaged her reputation.
In addition to the defamation suit, the legal battle between Mercy Chinwo and EeZee Tee continues to unfold. A Federal High Court in Lagos recently upheld an arrest warrant against EeZee Tee for alleged fraudulent conversion, with the case adjourned until March 6, 2025, for further proceedings. Chinwo’s lawsuit against VDM has now added a new layer to the ongoing disputes, drawing more attention to the situation.
As the case progresses, reactions from VDM’s supporters, known as “Ratels,” have been visible on social media, with many flooding Mercy Chinwo’s page to express their views. Some of them criticized the singer, while others defended her, urging her not to engage with VDM. The legal tussle between Chinwo and VDM is likely to continue making headlines as both sides prepare for the next steps in court.
With the stakes high and both parties determined to defend their reputations, the resolution of this defamation suit could have significant implications not only for the parties involved but also for how social media critics and public figures navigate their interactions in the future.
