Lagos Court Sets Legal Precedent with Social Media Service in High-Profile Celebrity Case
In a groundbreaking ruling that could reshape Nigeria's legal procedures, an Ikeja High Court has granted permission for court documents to be served to defendants through their social media accounts. This landmark decision emerged from a high-stakes lawsuit involving prominent religious leader Dr. Chris Okafor, social media commentator Martins Otse (known as VeryDarkMan), financial analyst Kelvin Emmanuel, and Nollywood actress Doris Ogala.
Court Approves Digital Service Methods
Justice Akintunde Savage issued the order allowing legal processes to be delivered via verified platforms including WhatsApp, Instagram, and other active social media accounts belonging to the defendants. This innovative approach addresses the practical challenges of serving documents when physical addresses cannot be traced, as was the case with the second and third defendants in this matter.
During court proceedings, the claimant's counsel, Mr. Ife Ajayi, explained that while the originating process had been published in a national newspaper, traditional service methods proved impossible due to untraceable addresses. Ogala's lawyer subsequently requested permission for digital service, an application that was granted without objection from any party involved.
Background of the Legal Dispute
The current lawsuit follows an earlier injunction issued on January 22, which restrained the defendants from making any statements about Dr. Okafor, his Mountain of Liberation and Miracle Ministries, or releasing private materials that could potentially be used for blackmail or extortion purposes. This legal battle has captured public attention due to its intersection of religious leadership, social media influence, and entertainment industry personalities.
Justice Savage emphasized that the court's Bailiff must provide concrete proof of successful online delivery of the documents, ensuring that due process is maintained despite the unconventional service method. The case has been adjourned to February 25 for proof of service and hearing of preliminary objections.
Broader Implications for Nigerian Law
This ruling represents a significant adaptation of Nigeria's legal system to the realities of digital communication and social media prevalence. By acknowledging verified social media accounts as legitimate channels for legal service, the court has established an important precedent that could influence future cases involving digital personalities and online disputes.
The development adds a fresh dimension to the ongoing controversy that began when Doris Ogala released a video call she claimed was with Pastor Okafor, accompanied by strong allegations that generated substantial online discussion. Ogala had indicated that the released clip was merely a sample and promised additional evidence, setting the stage for the current legal proceedings.
This case highlights the evolving relationship between traditional legal processes and modern digital communication platforms in Nigeria's judicial system, potentially paving the way for more technology-integrated legal procedures in the future.
