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A Delta State Federal High Court sitting in Effurun has ordered popular Nigerian social media personality, VeryDarkMan, to pay N30 million in damages to comedian Mr Jollof’s wife, Mrs Esinjemiyotan Uruneyonjuyei Atsepoyi.

It all started in September 2024 when VeryDarkMan, during his online altercation with Mr Jollof, accused his wife of committing adultery with politicians and Yahoo boys to help her husband secure a political appointment in Delta State.

In response, Mr Jollof, who described VeryDarkMan as a product of a broken home, said he was not well trained.

Reacting to the allegations against her, Mr Jollof’s wife, Esinjemiyotan Uruneyonjuyei Atsepoyi, filed a N500 million defamation lawsuit against VeryDarkMan.

However, in a court document signed by Hon. Justice R. Harriman on May 13, 2026, and obtained by DAILY POST, the court ordered VeryDarkMan, who was unable to provide evidence to back his claim, to pay N30 million for defamation.

The judge also gave VeryDarkMan a 14-day ultimatum to publish an apology to Esinjemiyotan Uruneyonjuyei Atsepoyi in two national dailies and across all his social media handles, containing a retraction of the defamatory words.

In his ruling, Justice Harriman said: “I therefore have no hesitation in holding that the words complained of are defamatory in their natural and ordinary meaning and are actionable per se.

“I find that the Claimant is entitled to general and aggravated damages and an injunction. See DIAMOND BANK v. OKPALA (2016) LPELR-41573(CA) and OBOK & ORS v. AGBOR & ORS (2016) LPELR-41219(CA). Given the wide dissemination of the defamatory material, a retraction and apology are appropriate to restore the Claimant’s reputation.

“Judgment is hereby entered in favour of the Claimant against the defendant as follows: It is declared that the words published by the Defendant concerning the Claimant are defamatory.

“N20,000,000.00 (Twenty Million Naira) as general damages; N10,000,000.00 (Ten Million Naira) as aggravated damages. The Defendant is hereby directed to publish an apology to the Claimant in two national dailies and all his social media handles containing a retraction of the defamatory words contained in the Defendant’s online publication of 15th, 16th, and in the early hours of 19th September, 2024, within 14 days of this judgment.

“The Defendant, by himself, his agents, and/or privies, is hereby restrained from further making any defamatory publication against the Claimant,” the court ordered.

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The family of Alexx Ekubo has formally confirmed the demise of Nollywood actor, ending days of speculation and concern surrounding his health.

In a statement released on Wednesday evening on behalf of the family, they disclosed that the actor died at Evercare Hospital following complications from advanced metastatic kidney cancer after what was described as a brief but courageous battle with the illness.

The family described the late actor as a beloved husband, son, brother and friend, noting that he faced the difficult period with strength, faith and hope.

According to the statement, Alexx Ekubo believed that one day his healing testimony would be shared publicly, even as he quietly battled the illness away from the spotlight.

“It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved Husband, Son, Brother, and Friend, Alexx Ikenna Ekubo-Okwaraeke,” the statement read.

“After a brief but courageous battle, Alexx passed away at Evercare Hospital due to complications arising from advanced metastatic kidney cancer.”

The family added that throughout the illness, the actor remained hopeful and deeply faithful despite the pain.

“Throughout this difficult journey, he bore his pain with remarkable strength, unwavering faith, and enduring hope, believing that one day his testimony would be shared with the world,” the statement added.

They also appealed to the public for privacy and prayers during the difficult period while assuring that funeral arrangements and other details would be announced later.

The statement further appreciated fans, friends and supporters for their love, prayers and support throughout the period.

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Alexx Ekubo-Okwaraeke April 1986 – 11 May 2026) was a Nigerian actor, entertainer, and humanitarian.

He was known for his work in Nollywood films, particularly romantic comedies and dramas. Ekubo gained wider recognition after emerging as the first runner-up at the 2010 Mr. Nigeria contest and later starring in the film Weekend Getaway.

In 2020, he was recognized among the “Most Influential People of African Descent” under 40 for his contributions to entertainment and social development in Africa.

Ekubo was a native of Arochukwu, Abia State in the south-eastern region of Nigeria.[citation needed] He attended Federal Government College Daura, Katsina State in the Northern region of Nigeria. He studied law at the University of Calabar, Cross River State, Nigeria.

He was also awarded an Honorary Degree in Arts & Culture from the Institut Supérieur de Communication et de Gestion[6] (ISCG University) Cotonou, Republic of Benin, 2021.

Ekubo is known for his distinctive fashion presence, and is frequently featured on best-dressed lists across Africa. He maintains a private lifestyle and often uses his platform to advocate for social causes and youth empowerment.

Ekubo died from liver cancer in Lagos on 11 May 2026, at the age of 40.

According to family sources, the actor died after months of illness and prolonged absence from the public eye which had raised concerns among fans and colleagues.

Wikipedia