May Yul-Edochie, the estranged wife of Nollywood actor Yul Edochie, has filed a lawsuit at a Lagos High Court seeking ₦1.5 billion in damages from her former lawyer, Emeka Ugwuonye, and others over an alleged years-long online harassment campaign. The suit, filed through her current legal team at Greylaw Partners, also names Yinka Omolola Theisen and several unidentified operators of social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and X as defendants.
Allegations of Breach of Confidentiality
One of the most striking elements of the lawsuit is the inclusion of Ugwuonye, who previously represented May in a legal matter. She alleges that he breached solicitor-client confidentiality by publicly disclosing information obtained during that professional relationship, effectively using privileged access to fuel harassment against her. The suit seeks perpetual injunctions to stop the alleged harassment and compel the removal of disputed content from all platforms.
Background of the Harassment Campaign
The harassment, according to May, began after her husband Yul Edochie publicly announced in 2022 that he had taken a second wife, actress Judy Austin, with whom he had a child. The announcement blindsided May, who had been married to Yul for over two decades and shared four children with him. The fallout played out publicly, making her a target of sustained online hostility.
According to a 126-paragraph affidavit supporting the suit, the campaign has involved manipulated photographs, AI-generated images, fabricated stories, insulting caricatures, and direct death wishes. May alleges that her personal contact details were leaked online, exposing her and her family to direct harassment beyond social media.
Failed Attempts at Resolution
May attempted to resolve the situation without litigation, sending cease-and-desist notices in September 2025 to two of the named defendants, demanding takedowns, public retractions, and apologies. Instead, she claims the attacks intensified, with new accounts created to continue after earlier ones were flagged.
Financial and Emotional Impact
Beyond emotional distress, May points to concrete financial consequences, including lost endorsements, damaged business relationships, and reputational harm that has directly affected her income. She is seeking ₦1 billion in damages from Ugwuonye and ₦500 million from Theisen, along with court orders directing social media platforms to identify and disclose information about anonymous account operators behind the alleged campaign.
Justice Abdul-Raheem Tejumade Muyideen has directed that court processes be served across all known contact channels for the defendants. The matter has been adjourned for a service report.
