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Justice M. A. Savage of the Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja has issued an interim order restraining social media influencer Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), Nollywood actress Doris Ogala, and one Kelvin Chimaobi Emmanuel from making any references to popular cleric Dr. Chris Okafor, his church, or ministry across all platforms.
The order was granted on Thursday following an ex-parte application filed by Dr. Okafor, who is the founder of Grace Nation International, also known as Liberation City. The application is pending the determination of a substantive lawsuit instituted by the cleric against the trio.
The case, marked as suit number ID/14399GCMW/2026, lists Dr. Chris Okafor as the claimant, while Doris Ogala, VeryDarkMan, and Kelvin Emmanuel are named as the first, second, and third defendants respectively.
The ex-parte motion was brought pursuant to Order 43 Rules 1, 2, and 7 of the High Court of Lagos State (Civil Procedure) Rules 2019, as well as under the court’s inherent jurisdiction. Dr. Okafor’s legal team, led by Mr. Ife Ajayi, urged the court to grant protective orders to prevent further publications or statements which the claimant alleges could damage his reputation and ministry.
In his ruling, Justice Savage barred the defendants and anyone acting on their behalf from mentioning, referring to, or discussing Dr. Okafor in any manner whatsoever. This restriction extends to the cleric’s name, photographs, images, videos, as well as the name and identity of his church and ministry, whether in oral statements or written publications.
The court specifically ordered that the defendants must refrain from making any such references on social media platforms or through any other media channels pending the final determination of the suit.
Justice Savage further restrained the defendants from publishing, releasing, or circulating any materials described as private or confidential. These include alleged chats, conversations, text messages, photographs, images, or videos said to relate to Dr. Okafor. The court ruled that such materials must not be shared with the public or third parties while the matter remains before the court.
In addition, the judge prohibited the defendants from releasing any information or materials allegedly intended to blackmail or extort money from the claimant. The order also applies to any agents, proxies, or associates acting directly or indirectly on behalf of the defendants.
As part of the proceedings, Justice Savage granted an application for substituted service of court documents on the defendants. The judge approved that the originating processes — including the writ of summons, list of witnesses, statements on oath, and other supporting documents — be served through publication in a national newspaper.
This order allows the claimant to effect service despite difficulties in personally serving the defendants, ensuring that the legal process proceeds without undue delay.
The court adjourned the matter to February 2, 2026, for hearing and further proceedings.
The ruling marks a significant development in the legal dispute, temporarily halting all public commentary or online references involving the claimant while the court considers the substantive issues raised in the suit. The decision underscores the judiciary’s willingness to intervene where reputational concerns and alleged abuse of media platforms are brought before it for adjudication.
#DorisOgala
#Verydarkman
#ChrisOkafor
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