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Summary
Gospel singer Mercy Chinwo has filed a N1.1 billion defamation lawsuit against social media commentator Martins Otse over claims that she misappropriated funds from her former record label, led by Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu. Mercy’s legal team argues that Martins’ social media posts were false, malicious, and damaging to her reputation. The lawsuit seeks damages, a public apology, and the removal of all defamatory posts. In addition to the civil case, a Chief Magistrate’s Court in Abuja has summoned Martins on criminal defamation charges, with a hearing set for March 13, 2025. Meanwhile, a separate case involving Ezekiel remains ongoing, with his arraignment scheduled for March 6, 2025.
Popular Gospel singer Mercy Chinwo has filed a N1.1 billion defamation lawsuit against social media commentator Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), over allegations that she misappropriated funds owed to her former record label. The lawsuit, dated Mar. 3, 2025, comes after Martins accused Mercy of withholding payments from shows without remitting due earnings to her former record label, led by Ezekiel Onyedikachukwu, also known as EeZee Tee. He further alleged that she violated her contract with the label before leaving.
Mercy’s lawyer, Pelumi Olajengbesi, described Martins’ statements as “libellous, malicious, and damaging” to the singer’s reputation. He argued that Martins had no direct involvement in the dispute but presented the matter in a way that misled the public and tarnished Mercy’s image. According to the legal complaint, Martins posted multiple videos to his social media platforms, portraying Mercy in a negative light while favouring Ezekiel’s position. Pelumi contended that these posts were intentionally made to ridicule the singer and cause reputational harm.
The lawsuit seeks a court order compelling Martins to delete all allegedly defamatory posts, issue a public apology, and retract his statements on his social media platforms and in two national newspapers. Additionally, Mercy’s legal team is demanding N1 billion in general damages for defamation, N100 million in punitive and aggravated damages, N25 million to cover the cost of the suit, and 10% interest on the judgment sum per annum until full payment is made.
Alongside the civil suit, Mercy has also initiated criminal proceedings against Martins. A Chief Magistrate’s Court in Wuse Zone 6, Abuja, issued a summons dated March 5, 2025, ordering the social media commentator to appear in court on March 13, 2025, to respond to allegations of criminal defamation. Chief Magistrate Emmanuel Iyanna issued the directive following claims that Martins made damaging statements about the singer on social media. Mercy’s legal team argues that his actions violate Section 391 of the Penal Code and Section 24(1)(B) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015.
The controversy stems from an ongoing dispute between Mercy and her former record label. In Jan. 2025, the singer accused Ezekiel of exploitation, threats to her life, and spreading false rumours about her child’s paternity. She stated that his threats forced her to relocate from Lagos to Port Harcourt for her safety. Ezekiel has denied these claims, and a separate legal case involving him remains before the Federal High Court in Lagos.
On Feb. 17, 2025, the court upheld an existing arrest warrant against Ezekiel over allegations of fraudulent conversion, with his arraignment scheduled for Mar. 6, 2025. Meanwhile, Mercy’s legal team maintains that Martins’ social media posts, made on Feb. 2, 3, 4, 5, 12, and 17, were intended to damage her reputation, mislead the public, and cause professional setbacks and emotional distress.
With the court summons now in place, all eyes will be on Mar. 13, when Martins is expected to appear before the magistrate to address the allegations.
