Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Businesswoman and media personality Sophia Momodu has initiated legal proceedings against Nollywood actress and reality television star Caroline Hutchings, popularly known as Caroline Danjuma, over an allegedly defamatory Snapchat publication, demanding a public apology, retraction and ₦10 billion in damages. The dispute stems from a series of Snapchat posts made by Hutchings on July 3, 2026, in which she accused an unnamed woman of having an affair with her former partner while they were still together.
In the post, Hutchings alleged that a woman she had once defended on national television had been "sleeping with my man" while they were together, adding: "Now I know why your baby daddy didn't choose you. You are dirt; you sleep with your friend's man". Although no individual was expressly identified in the publication, the statements quickly sparked widespread speculation on social media, with many users alleging that the post referred to Momodu, who has a child with Afrobeat singer Davido.
In a four-page pre-action notice dated July 14, 2026, issued by Ahonaruogho, Ahonaruogho & Co. (Paradise Law Firm) and signed by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Prince (Dr.) Richard Oma Ahonaruogho, Momodu's legal team argued that the Snapchat publication and its subsequent circulation across blogs and social media platforms exposed their client to "widespread ridicule, cyberbullying, insults, malicious comments, public opprobrium and unwarranted attacks". The lawyers described Momodu as "a respected entrepreneur, public personality and mother," whose personal and professional reputation had been painstakingly built over the years through integrity, hard work and responsible conduct.
According to the legal notice, the publication generated numerous phone calls, text messages and WhatsApp messages from family members, friends and business associates who believed the statements referred to Momodu. The solicitors further argued that the publication caused their client "considerable embarrassment, emotional distress and damage to her reputation and standing amongst members of the public, her family, friends, business associates and society at large".
The notice also revealed that, in an attempt to prevent litigation, Momodu allegedly contacted Hutchings privately on July 3, 2026, requesting that if the Snapchat publication was not directed at her, she should issue an unequivocal clarification stating that she was not the individual referenced. According to the lawyers, Hutchings neither acknowledged nor responded to the request. The legal team argued that, despite allegedly being aware that the public had identified Momodu as the subject of the publication, Hutchings failed to issue any clarification or take reasonable steps to halt the growing speculation, thereby aggravating the damage to her reputation.
The solicitors gave Hutchings 48 hours to comply with four specific demands: publish an unequivocal retraction and unreserved public apology on her Snapchat account and all other social media platforms under her control, expressly stating that the publication was not directed at Momodu; cause the apology and retraction to be published in two national newspapers with nationwide circulation; pay substantial monetary compensation for the injury occasioned to Momodu's reputation, emotional distress, embarrassment and consequential legal expenses; and furnish a written undertaking to desist from publishing any statement capable of being understood as referring to or defaming Momodu.
The notice warned that non-compliance would trigger legal proceedings, with Momodu's lawyers seeking a court declaration that the publication was false and defamatory; an order compelling a public retraction and apology; ₦10 billion in general and aggravated damages; a perpetual injunction against further defamatory statements; and ₦50 million in legal fees. However, the letter also expressed openness to an amicable resolution and invited Hutchings to contact the law firm to explore a settlement.
Hutchings, a Nollywood actress and former cast member of The Real Housewives of Lagos, has yet to publicly respond to the legal notice. The dispute has drawn significant attention on social media, with many users weighing in on the controversy. As of the time of filing this report, no formal lawsuit had been filed in court, but Momodu's legal team has made it clear that they are prepared to proceed with litigation if their demands are not met.
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