Businesswoman and media personality Sophia Momodu has started legal action against actress Caroline Hutchings, who is also known as Caroline Danjuma. She claims that a post on Snapchat was defamatory. Sophia is asking for a public apology, compensation, and N10 billion in damages.
A notice about the case appeared on social media. It is dated 14 July 2026 and was issued by Ahonaruogho, Ahonaruogho & Co., also known as Paradise Law Firm. The notice was signed by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Prince (Dr.) Richard Oma Ahonaruogho, representing Ms Momodu.
In the four-page document, Ms Momodu, who is the mother of Davido’s first child, argues that a Snapchat post by Ms Hutchings was widely seen as referring to her. She claims the post, though not naming her, caused her public embarrassment, cyberbullying, and damage to her reputation.
The disputed post
The issue started when Ms Hutchings, a Nollywood actress and former cast member of The Real Housewives of Lagos, made several posts on Snapchat on 3 July. In these posts, she claimed a woman she once defended had secretly been with her former partner while they were together.
In her post, the actress accused the unnamed woman of betraying her trust. She used several harsh words, claiming the woman had “slept with my man” and asked why her “baby daddy didn’t choose” her.
Even though she did not name anyone, the statements led to much discussion on social media. Many people speculated that the post was about Ms Momodu.
Damages
In the legal notice, Ms Momodu’s lawyers said the Snapchat post and its spread on blogs and social media put their client in the spotlight. They claimed it caused “widespread ridicule, cyberbullying, insults, malicious comments, public opprobrium and unwarranted attacks.”
The lawyers described Ms Momodu as “a respected entrepreneur, public personality and mother.” They said her reputation has been built over many years through hard work and integrity.
The letter explained that the post led to many phone calls, texts, and WhatsApp messages from family, friends, and business associates who thought the statements were about her.
They added that the publication caused Ms Momodu “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.”
Alleged refusal to clarify
The notice also stated that to avoid legal action, Ms Momodu reached out to Ms Hutchings privately on 3 July. She asked her to clarify that if the Snapchat post was not about her, she should say so clearly.
According to the lawyers, Ms Hutchings did not respond to this request.
They argued that even though Ms Hutchings knew many people thought the post was about Ms Momodu, she did not clarify or take steps to stop the rumors. They said her silence made it seem like the allegations were indeed directed at their client, worsening the damage to her reputation.
Demands
The lawyers gave Ms Hutchings 48 hours after receiving the letter to meet several demands.
One of the demands is for Ms Hutchings to post a clear retraction and a public apology on her Snapchat and all her social media accounts, stating that the post was not aimed at Ms Momodu.
She must also publish the same apology in two national newspapers with a wide reach, approved by Ms Momodu’s lawyers.
Additionally, she is required to pay significant compensation for the reputational damage, emotional distress, and legal costs. She must also promise not to make any future statements that could harm Ms Momodu's reputation.
N10 billion lawsuit threatened
The notice warned that if these demands are not met, legal action will follow. The reliefs sought include a declaration that the publication was false and defamatory, an order for a public retraction and apology, N10 billion in damages, N50 million for legal fees, and a restriction on Ms Hutchings from making further defamatory statements.
The lawyers showed they were willing to settle the matter amicably. They invited Ms Hutchings to a meeting within seven days of receiving the notice to discuss a settlement outside of court.
As of now, Ms Hutchings has not publicly responded to the allegations or the legal notice.
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