"₦200 Million Lawsuit!" — Tonto Dikeh dragged to court over "vicious" exorcism of 13-year-old schoolgirl

​The "Evangelist Tonto" era has hit a massive legal storm just days after its debut, as Nollywood actress Tonto Dikeh has been slammed with a ₦200 million fundamental rights enforcement suit at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. This development follows a controversial "religious deliverance ritual" reportedly performed by the actress on a 13-year-old JSS1 student from Junior Secondary School, Durumi II, Abuja. The incident, which allegedly took place on March 6, 2026, was not kept behind closed doors; instead, it was broadcast to millions after Tonto reportedly posted videos and photos of the exorcism on her official Facebook page.

​Expanding on the details of the "deliverance," human rights lawyer Ikechukwu Obasi, who filed the suit on behalf of the minor, painted a grim picture of the event in court documents. The lawsuit alleges that the child was laid on the bare ground and pressed against a stony surface during the ritual, during which Tonto—while wearing artificial fingernails—allegedly harassed and publicly shamed the girl by portraying her as "demonically possessed". Furthermore, the suit argues that these actions go far beyond lawful religious freedom and constitute a breach of the girl's dignity and privacy under the 1999 Constitution and the Child Rights Act 2003.

​As a result of this alleged treatment, the legal team is demanding a heavy price for the trauma caused, starting with ₦200 million in general and exemplary damages. In addition to the financial claim, the plaintiff is seeking the immediate removal of all viral videos and photos from social media, alongside an unreserved public apology published in three national newspapers. To prevent a recurrence, they are also asking for a permanent injunction to stop Tonto from ever performing similar acts again, noting that her actions exposed the child to public shame and likely unspoken child trauma.

​While the internet is currently on fire with debates about where "evangelism" ends and "child abuse" begins, the actress has remained silent. As of the time of this report, Tonto Dikeh has not issued a formal statement or a reaction to the massive lawsuit. Consequently, this case is quickly becoming a landmark conversation about the responsibility of public figures and the protection of minors in the name of religion, leaving many to wonder if the "Woman of God" will settle this quietly or head for a major showdown in court.

​What do you think? Is this lawsuit a necessary check on celebrity evangelism, or is it an overreach? Drop your honest thoughts in the comment section below!