A Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja has issued an interim order restraining social media influencer Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), actress Doris Ogala, and Kelvin Chimaobi Emmanuel from making any statements or references about Pastor Chris Okafor, his church, or ministry pending the conclusion of a lawsuit filed by the cleric.
The order was granted on Thursday by Justice M. A. Savage following an ex-parte application filed by Dr Okafor, the claimant in suit number ID/14399GCMW/2026. The three individuals were named as first, second, and third defendants in the case.
The application was brought under Order 43 Rules 1, 2, and 7 of the High Court of Lagos State (Civil Procedure) Rules 2019, alongside the court’s inherent jurisdiction. Dr Okafor was represented by his counsel, Mr Ife Ajayi.
In granting the application, Justice Savage also barred the defendants and anyone acting on their behalf from publishing, sharing, or circulating any materials described as private or confidential, including chats, messages, photographs, audio recordings, or videos allegedly linked to the claimant.
The court specifically directed that the defendants must not mention or display Dr Okafor’s name, images, or videos, nor reference his church, Grace Nation International, also known as Liberation City, on social media or any other media platforms, whether orally or in writing.
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The judge further restrained the defendants from releasing any content alleged to be intended for blackmail or extortion against the claimant while the suit remains pending.
In addition, the court approved substituted service of the originating processes, including the writ of summons, witness lists, and sworn statements, through newspaper publication.
The matter was adjourned to February 2, 2026, for hearing.