Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
Online commentator and social media personality Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as Verydarkman (VDM), finds himself at the centre of a new legal storm after the legal team of Senior Pastor Dr. Chris Okafor of Mountain of Liberation and Miracle Ministries filed a cybercrime and defamation lawsuit against him in connection with widely shared online claims about the cleric’s personal life.
According to statements circulating in the media and confirmed by multiple sources, Pastor Okafor’s lawyers allege that Verydarkman and a woman identified online as Miss Chi have engaged in a range of unlawful conduct including cyber incitement, cyberbullying, cyber harassment, cyberstalking, criminal defamation and malicious impersonation. The suit was reportedly filed on the grounds that content posted and shared by VDM online falsely portrayed Pastor Okafor as having abandoned his family and misrepresented his personal relationships, allegations Okafor’s legal team insists are untrue and injurious to his reputation.
The controversy centres on claims circulating via social media that Pastor Okafor had neglected or abandoned children purportedly linked to him — allegations amplified by Verydarkman on his platforms. Okafor’s lawyers have dismissed those claims as “false, misleading, malicious” and say that existing DNA evidence allegedly disproves the purported familial link. They have formally demanded retractions of the statements, public apologies published in national newspapers, removal of all defamatory content, and that any future assertions implying a familial relationship cease immediately.
The legal action comes as part of a broader escalation in disputes involving Verydarkman, who is no stranger to litigation. Over recent years, he has faced multiple suits and legal challenges related to his online commentary, including defamation and cyberstalking allegations brought by public figures and activists. Prior to the current action, he was already embroiled in a high‑profile defamation dispute involving prominent senior lawyer Femi Falana and his son, musician Folarin “Falz” Falana, though aspects of that case were struck out or adjourned by courts.
Sources say that Okafor’s counsel is now urging the court to hold Verydarkman accountable under Nigeria’s Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, which criminalises a range of abusive online behaviours, including harassment, threats and defamatory content disseminated through computer systems or social media. The pastor’s legal team also highlighted that the online posts at the heart of the dispute were widely circulated and have caused significant reputational harm to their client and his ministry.
As of this reporting, neither Verydarkman nor his legal representatives have publicly responded to the latest lawsuit, and it is unclear whether he will file a formal defence or make a court appearance in response to the new claims. The litigation reflects continuing tensions in Nigeria over social media influence, online activism, personal reputation and the limits of free expression — particularly when allegations involve public figures and sensitive personal matters.
Legal analysts say the case will likely hinge on whether the allegations against Pastor Okafor can be shown in court to have been published recklessly or maliciously, and whether the content meets the statutory threshold for offences under Nigeria’s cybercrime law. Critics of the suit argue that public interest commentary should be protected under freedom of expression, while supporters of the pastor maintain that defamation laws are essential to safeguard individuals from harmful and unfounded online attacks.
The unfolding legal battle is certain to attract further public and media interest given Verydarkman’s substantial online following and the broader implications for how influencers engage with controversial personal narratives involving prominent figures.
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