A Lagos High Court has issued a significant restraining order against social media influencer Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan, actress Doris Ogala, and Kelvin Chimaobi Emmanuel. This order prevents them from mentioning cleric Dr Chris Okafor on any platform while a substantive suit is pending. The injunction was granted by Justice M. A. Savage on Thursday, stemming from an ex-parte application filed by Dr. Okafor himself, who is the claimant in the case marked ID/14399GCMW/2026. The court’s directive is clear: the defendants, including Doris Ogala and VeryDarkMan, are barred from referring to or mentioning Dr. Okafor, his church, or his ministry across social media or any other media channels until the legal proceedings are concluded.
This legal action was initiated using provisions from Order 43 Rules 1, 2 and 7 of the High Court of Lagos State (Civil Procedure) Rules 2019, alongside the court’s inherent jurisdiction. The ruling extends to prohibiting the defendants from disseminating or circulating any purported private materials concerning the claimant. This includes any form of alleged private communications such as chats, conversations, text messages, pictures, images, or videos.
Specifically, the court has mandated that the defendants must cease all mentions of Dr. Chris Okafor’s name, photographs, images, or videos. Furthermore, they are forbidden from referencing his church, Grace Nation International, also known as Liberation City, whether through spoken word or written communication. This comprehensive ban aims to prevent further public discussion or dissemination of information related to the cleric and his ministry.
What is the core of this court order? The primary objective is to halt any further public statements or publications by VeryDarkMan, Doris Ogala, and Kelvin Emmanuel concerning Dr. Chris Okafor and his ministry while the legal case progresses. The court seeks to maintain the status quo and prevent potential reputational damage or the release of sensitive information during the litigation process.
Justice Savage’s order also includes a crucial stipulation against the release of materials allegedly intended for blackmail or extortion. The defendants are restrained from providing any such materials to the public or third parties, pending the final resolution of the lawsuit. This addresses concerns about potential misuse of information to exert pressure on Dr. Okafor.
Why is this case significant for online influencers and public figures? This ruling highlights the legal ramifications of public statements and the dissemination of information, especially when concerning private individuals or organizations. It underscores the importance of verifying information and respecting court orders.
How does this legal restraint impact Dr. Chris Okafor’s ministry? The immediate impact is the prevention of public commentary or the sharing of alleged private materials related to him and his church. This allows his ministry to operate without the distraction of ongoing public disputes and potential defamation.
Is this a permanent ban on VeryDarkMan and Doris Ogala? No, the order is temporary and remains in effect pending the determination of the substantive suit. Once the court reaches a final decision, the status of these restrictions will be reassessed.
What are the implications for online defamation? This case serves as a reminder that online platforms are not immune to defamation laws. Actions taken online can have serious legal consequences, including court injunctions and potential damages.
How will court processes be served on the defendants? Justice Savage granted an order for substituted service of court processes. This means that legal documents will be served on the defendants through newspaper publication, ensuring they are officially notified of the proceedings even if direct service proves difficult.
The court has set a date for the hearing of the matter, with the adjournment set for February 2, 2026. This provides a clear timeline for the next steps in the legal process.
This legal development is a key event in the ongoing public discourse surrounding the individuals involved. The court’s intervention signals a serious legal dispute requiring careful attention from all parties concerned.
The final determination of this suit will be crucial in establishing the long-term implications for the defendants and the future of public commentary regarding Dr. Chris Okafor and his ministry. The court’s decision will set a precedent for similar cases.
