May Edochie Sues Former Lawyer and Others for Defamation

​May Yul-Edochie, entrepreneur and estranged wife of Nollywood actor Yul Edochie, has officially commenced legal action at the Lagos State High Court, seeking ₦1.5 billion in damages against her former legal counsel, Emeka Ugwuonye, and Yinka Omolola Theisen, the former partner of Linc Edochie, among other unidentified online entities.

​The lawsuit, filed under case number LD/10737GCM/2026, marks a significant escalation in the ongoing digital conflict involving the media personality. In a comprehensive 126-paragraph affidavit, May alleges a multi-year campaign of targeted harassment, which she asserts has severely compromised her reputation, business interests, and personal safety.

​Allegations of Breach and Defamation

​A central and contentious component of the suit involves her former attorney, Mr. Ugwuonye. May alleges that he breached solicitor-client confidentiality by publicly disclosing sensitive information obtained during his tenure as her legal representative in her divorce proceedings. She further accuses him and Ms. Theisen of orchestrating and fueling a campaign of cyberbullying that includes the use of manipulated photographs, AI-generated imagery, and insulting caricatures.

​The claimant asserts that these actions have caused her significant emotional distress and financial loss, impacting her various endorsement deals and commercial relationships.

​Court Demands and Next Steps

​Beyond financial restitution—seeking ₦1 billion from Mr. Ugwuonye and ₦500 million from Ms. Theisen—the lawsuit requests the court to issue a perpetual injunction to restrain the defendants from further publications.

​Additionally, May has prayed the court to grant orders compelling major social media platforms to identify and disclose the information of anonymous account operators involved in the alleged campaign. This move is intended to facilitate further investigation into the networks behind the harassment.

​Justice Abdul-Raheem Tejumade Muyideen has presided over the initial filing and ordered that all court processes be served to the defendants through their last known residential addresses, emails, and active social media channels. The case has been adjourned pending a report on the service of these processes.

ADVERTISEMENT

​This legal move follows failed attempts to resolve the matter through extrajudicial means; in September 2025, May’s legal team had issued cease-and-desist notices to the primary defendants, which she claims were ignored, leading to an intensification of the online hostility.

​May Yul-Edochie Sues Former Lawyer Over Defemation

​This video provides additional context regarding the initial legal notices issued by May Edochie’s team in 2025 which preceded the current formal litigation.