Lagos Court Restricts Social Media Commentary on Pastor Chris Okafor
The Lagos State High Court has issued a significant injunction against three individuals, prohibiting them from making any online references to Pastor Chris Okafor, his church, or ministry. This legal development comes amid an ongoing defamation case that has captured public attention across Nigeria.
Court Order Details and Restrictions
Justice M. A. Savage of the Ikeja Judicial Division delivered the ruling on Thursday, granting an ex-parte application filed by Pastor Chris Okafor through his legal representative, Mr. Ife Ajayi. The application was submitted under Order 43 Rules 1, 2, and 7 of the High Court of Lagos State (Civil Procedure) Rules 2019, utilizing the court's inherent jurisdiction.
The defendants in the case are social media influencer Martins Vincent Otse (popularly known as Verydarkman or VDM), Nollywood actress Doris Ogala, and Kelvin Chimaobi Emmanuel. The court order specifically prohibits these individuals, along with their agents, from:
- Mentioning Pastor Chris Okafor, his church Grace Nation International (also called Liberation City), or his ministry on any social media platform or other public forums
- Publishing or releasing any alleged private materials involving Dr. Okafor, including chats, conversations, texts, pictures, images, or videos
- Using the claimant's name, photographs, or church name in any online content
- Releasing any materials that could be interpreted as attempts to blackmail or extort money from Dr. Okafor
Legal Proceedings and Case Background
The injunction was granted pending the determination of the substantive suit filed by Dr. Okafor, registered as case ID/14399GCMW/2026. The court also authorized substituted service of the claimant's originating processes, including the writ of summons, list of witnesses, and statement on oath, through newspaper publication.
This legal action follows previous public drama between Pastor Okafor and Doris Ogala that led to her arrest and subsequent release by Nigerian police. Interestingly, Pastor Okafor had previously apologized to the actress during a Sunday service livestream, kneeling before his congregation and asking for forgiveness while refuting various allegations against him.
Public Reaction and Social Media Response
The court's decision has generated significant discussion on Nigerian social media platforms, with netizens expressing diverse opinions about the case. Some users questioned the implications of the injunction, while others supported the legal action as a proper channel for resolving disputes.
Comments ranged from concerns about freedom of expression to suggestions that all parties should present their evidence in court. The mixed reactions reflect the ongoing public interest in celebrity and religious figures' legal battles in Nigeria's digital landscape.
Next Steps and Hearing Schedule
The matter has been adjourned to February 2, 2026, for further hearing. As the case progresses through the legal system, it continues to highlight important questions about social media responsibility, celebrity privacy rights, and the intersection of digital communication with Nigerian defamation law.
This injunction represents a notable development in how Nigerian courts are addressing online commentary involving public figures, potentially setting precedents for future cases involving social media influencers, celebrities, and religious leaders in the country.
