Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
Abubakar Marshall, the lawyer representing social media influencer VeryDarkMan, has filed a ₦1 billion defamation lawsuit against Linus Williams, popularly known as “BLord,” alleging that Williams defamed him by calling him an “ex‑convict.” The lawsuit has been filed in a Lagos State High Court and seeks substantial damages for the alleged harm to Marshall’s reputation and professional standing.
According to court filings, Marshall claims that Williams made the defamatory statement during a public online broadcast, intending to damage his character and credibility. The lawsuit argues that the remarks were false, malicious, and caused both personal and professional harm. Marshall’s legal team is seeking general and aggravated damages, as well as a court-ordered public retraction and apology from Williams, and an order prohibiting any further defamatory statements.
The dispute has drawn attention in Nigeria’s digital and legal communities, highlighting the growing concern over the impact of social media commentary on reputations. VeryDarkMan, whose real name is Martins Vincent Otse, is a well-known online activist and content creator, and the case underscores the intersection of social media influence and legal accountability in Nigeria.
Legal experts note that this case could become a significant precedent for how Nigerian courts handle defamation in the digital age, where statements made online can quickly reach large audiences and have real-world consequences. Under Nigerian law, claimants in defamation cases must prove that the statements made were false, damaging, and published without a legitimate basis.
As of now, Williams has not publicly responded to the lawsuit. The case is expected to proceed through pre-trial stages, including the service of court documents and preliminary hearings. Observers are closely monitoring the proceedings, which could have wider implications for public discourse and accountability among influential online personalities in Nigeria.
The lawsuit represents Marshall’s effort to protect his public image and to hold accountable those who he claims make false and harmful statements about him in public forums. Court proceedings are expected to continue in the coming weeks, with both sides preparing to present evidence and legal arguments.
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