Nollywood actress and self-proclaimed evangelist, Tonto Dikeh, has been hit with a N200 million lawsuit following a controversial viral video showing her performing a “deliverance session” on a young schoolgirl. The suit, filed at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, raises serious questions about children’s rights, religious practices, and the role of social media in public shaming.
The case was filed by human rights lawyer Ikechukwu Obasi, who represents the minor, a Junior Secondary School 1 student from Rivers State studying in Abuja. According to Obasi, the lawsuit, filed under the Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules 2009, seeks multiple declarations and orders against Dikeh, including N200 million in damages for alleged violations of the child’s rights to dignity, privacy, and personal security.
The Controversial Incident
Court documents reveal that the incident reportedly occurred on March 6, 2026. Viral photos and videos on Dikeh’s official Facebook page allegedly show the actress performing a religious exorcism on the child, during which the girl was laid on bare ground and pressed against a stony surface.
Obasi described the incident as “vicious and degrading,” saying it caused both physical and emotional distress. “This act subjected the child to public humiliation and potential psychological trauma,” he said. “The manner in which it was carried out, coupled with the publication of the video online, violated her rights to privacy and dignity under the Constitution and the Child Rights Act.”
Legal and Social Implications
The lawsuit emphasizes that the public dissemination of the video has exposed the child to ridicule, discrimination, and stigma. Obasi added, “The N200 million in damages is not just for the harm suffered by the child; it is also intended to hold the defendant accountable and ensure that children’s rights are respected, regardless of religious beliefs or public influence.”
Legal experts say the case could set an important precedent in Nigeria regarding the protection of minors from exploitative or harmful religious practices, especially in the age of social media where private acts can quickly become public spectacles.
Public Reaction
The video has sparked nationwide debate. While some of Dikeh’s supporters describe the session as a religious act meant to help the child, critics argue it was an invasion of privacy and an abuse of authority, especially given the child’s vulnerable age. Child rights advocates have urged authorities to ensure that minors are not subjected to public rituals or social media exposure that could cause lasting harm.
The Way Forward
As of now, the High Court has not scheduled a hearing for the case. Observers note that the case highlights broader societal questions about balancing religious freedom with the rights of children, and the responsibilities of public figures when sharing content online.
Obasi concluded, “Children are entitled to protection from acts that can harm their dignity, expose them to ridicule, or inflict psychological trauma. This case is about ensuring accountability and reinforcing that children’s rights are paramount.”
The unfolding case continues to capture public attention, as Nigerians weigh the boundaries of faith, celebrity influence, and child protection in a digital age.