By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
A Lagos High Court sitting in Ikeja has restrained social media influencer Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), actress Doris Ogala and one Kelvin Chimaobi Emmanuel from further mentioning cleric Dr Chris Okafor on any platform pending the determination of a substantive suit.
Justice M. A. Savage issued the order on Thursday following an ex-parte application filed by Dr Okafor, who is the claimant in the suit marked ID/14399GCMW/2026. The defendants in the matter are listed as Doris Ogala, VDM and Kelvin Emmanuel. 
The court order barred the defendants and their agents from referring to or mentioning Dr Okafor, his church or ministry on social media or any other media platforms until the suit is fully determined.
The application was brought pursuant to Order 43 Rules 1, 2 and 7 of the High Court of Lagos State (Civil Procedure) Rules 2019, as well as under the court’s inherent jurisdiction.
In his ruling, Justice Savage also restrained the defendants from publishing, releasing or circulating any alleged private materials relating to the claimant. These include chats, conversations, text messages, pictures, images or videos in any form.
Specifically, the court ordered that the defendants must refrain from mentioning Dr Chris Okafor’s name, photographs, images or videos, as well as the name of his church, Grace Nation International, also known as Liberation City, whether orally or in writing.
The judge further restrained the defendants from releasing to the public or third parties any materials allegedly intended to blackmail or extort money from the claimant, pending the final determination of the suit.
Justice Savage also granted an order for substituted service of court processes on the defendants through newspaper publication and adjourned the matter until February 2, 2026, for hearing.
