A Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja has authorised that court processes in the libel suit filed by popular clergyman Dr Chris Okafor be served on social media influencer Martins Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), and media commentator Kelvin Emmanuel through electronic means.
The order was granted on Monday by Justice Akintunde Savage, who ruled that the second and third defendants may be served through their active WhatsApp and Instagram accounts.
The decision followed the continued absence of the defendants and their legal representatives from court proceedings, as well as difficulties encountered in effecting personal service due to the lack of verifiable physical addresses.
The suit, marked ID/14399GCMW/2026, was instituted by Dr Okafor against Nollywood actress Doris Ogala, who is the first defendant, alongside VDM and Emmanuel as the second and third defendants respectively.
During the hearing, counsel to the claimant, Mr Ife Ajayi, informed the court that originating processes had earlier been published in a national newspaper, Vanguard, in line with court rules, owing to the inability to locate the defendants for personal service.
However, counsel to the first defendant, Mr Nathan Atulonah, subsequently brought a motion seeking leave of court to serve the remaining defendants electronically, arguing that social media platforms offered a more effective means of bringing the suit to their attention.
Although the claimant’s counsel expressed reservations over the possibility of the defendants denying receipt of such service, Justice Savage ruled that modern realities justified the use of electronic service.
“Leave is hereby granted to the first defendant to serve the second and third defendants through their WhatsApp, Instagram, and other active social media accounts,” the judge held.
The court further directed that the court sheriff must certify proof of service before the next adjourned date.
The ruling follows an earlier ex parte order granted on January 22, 2026, in which the court restrained all defendants from mentioning or referring to Dr Okafor or his church, Grace Nation International (also known as Liberation City), across any media platform.
The injunction also barred them from publishing or circulating alleged private communications, images, videos, or any materials said to be intended for blackmail or extortion.
Justice Savage adjourned the matter to February 25, 2026, for the presentation of proof of service and the hearing of preliminary objections.
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