An Ikeja High Court has cleared the way for legal processes to be served on social media influencer, Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), and Kelvin Emmanuel via electronic means.
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In a ruling delivered on Monday, the court, presided over by Justice Akintunde Savage, granted leave for the second and third defendants to be served via their active WhatsApp and Instagram handles.
The decision follows the absence of the defendants and their legal representation in court during the proceedings.
The case, designated ID/14399GCMW/2026, was filed by prominent Nigerian clergyman, Dr Chris Okafor, against Nollywood actress Doris Ogala (1st defendant), VDM (2nd defendant), and Emmanuel (3rd defendant).
While the claimant’s counsel, Mr Ife Ajayi, confirmed that originating processes had already been published in the Vanguard newspaper due to a lack of known physical addresses for the defendants, the court shifted to electronic service to ensure the defendants are formally put on notice.
The motion for electronic service was brought forward by the counsel to Doris Ogala, Mr Nathan Atulonah.
Despite initial concerns from the claimant’s counsel regarding potential denials of receipt, Justice Savage ruled in favour of the modern approach.
“Leave is hereby granted to the first defendant to serve the second and the third defendants on their WhatsApp, Instagram, and other active social media accounts,” Justice Savage declared.
The Judge further mandated that the court sheriff must confirm proof of service before the next hearing.
This development follows a previous ex parte injunction granted on January 22, 2026. The court had strictly restrained VDM, Ogala, and Emmanuel from mentioning or referring to Dr Chris Okafor or his church, Grace Nation International (Liberation City), on any media platform, publishing private materials, including chats, images, or videos related to the cleric, and releasing any materials allegedly intended for blackmail or extortion.
The case has been adjourned until February 25, 2026, for the proof of service to be presented and for the hearing of preliminary objections.
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