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Tag: Defamation

  • Peter Obi Sues Kenneth Okonkwo for ₦8bn Over Defamation Claims

    The presidential candidate of the Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC), Peter Obi, has filed an ₦8 billion defamation suit against his former spokesperson, Kenneth Okonkwo, over allegations made during a television interview. The case was filed at the Anambra State High Court after Okonkwo allegedly failed to retract the claims despite an earlier legal demand.

    Alleged Defamatory Claims

    The dispute stems from comments Okonkwo made during an appearance on Channels Television on June 8, where he alleged that Obi collected ₦10 million each from House of Representatives aspirants and personally selected candidates for federal constituencies in the South-East.

    Following the interview, Obi, through his lawyer, Chief Alex Ejesieme (SAN), issued a seven-day ultimatum demanding a public retraction, apology and ₦5 billion in compensation.

    Okonkwo, however, rejected the demands in a response dated June 16, insisting that he stood by his allegations.

    Obi Seeks ₦8 Billion Damages

    In the suit filed on June 25, Obi described the television interview and subsequent social media posts by Okonkwo as false, malicious, baseless and defamatory.

    He is asking the court to award ₦5 billion as general damages for alleged injury to his reputation, ₦2 billion as aggravated damages for the continued publication of the claims after receiving the pre-action notice, and ₦1 billion as exemplary damages.

    Obi also wants the court to compel Okonkwo to publish an unreserved apology on Channels Television, the station’s YouTube platform, all his social media accounts and in three national newspapers within seven days of judgment.

    The suit further seeks an order directing the deletion of the alleged defamatory publications, a perpetual injunction restraining Okonkwo from making similar claims in the future, the cost of the suit and 10 per cent annual post-judgment interest on any monetary award.

    Former Ally Denies Allegations

    The court documents show that the writ of summons has been endorsed for service on Okonkwo in Enugu State.

    A key part of the controversy centres on claims that House of Representatives aspirant Obunike Ohaegbu told Okonkwo that Obi demanded ₦10 million from aspirants.

    However, Ohaegbu publicly denied making the allegation.

    Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on June 9, he said, “Peter Obi never told me to pay ₦10 million. I never told Kenneth Okonkwo that Peter Obi, in any way, told me to pay ₦10 million.”

    He also denied accusing the NDC South-East caucus of bribery or claiming that Obi compiled candidates’ names at a hotel in Abuja.

    Political Fallout

    Obi and Okonkwo were close political associates during the 2023 presidential election when the actor-turned-politician served as Obi’s spokesperson in the Labour Party.

    The two later joined the African Democratic Congress (ADC) ahead of preparations for the 2027 elections before Obi moved to the NDC, where he emerged as the party’s presidential candidate. Since then, Okonkwo has become one of Obi’s strongest critics.

  • Court Orders VeryDarkMan To Pay Mr Jollof’s Wife ₦30m Over Defamation

    A Federal High Court sitting in Effurun, Delta State, has ordered controversial social media personality, Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, to pay ₦30 million in damages to Mrs Esinjemiyotan Uruneyonjuyei Atsepoyi, the wife of comedian Mr Jollof, over defamatory statements made online.

    The court also directed VeryDarkMan to publish a public apology and retraction across his social media platforms and in two national newspapers within 14 days.

    How The Dispute Started

    The controversy began in September 2024 during a heated social media clash between VeryDarkMan and comedian Mr Jollof.

    During the online exchange, VeryDarkMan allegedly accused Mr Jollof’s wife of engaging in adultery with politicians and internet fraudsters to help her husband secure a political appointment in Delta State.

    The allegations quickly sparked reactions online, with Mr Jollof publicly defending his wife while condemning the statements made against her.

    Following the controversy, Mrs Atsepoyi filed a ₦500 million defamation suit against the social commentator.

    Court Awards ₦30m Damages

    According to court documents reportedly signed by Justice R. Harriman on May 13, 2026, the court ruled that the statements made by VeryDarkMan were defamatory.

    The judge held that the defendant failed to provide evidence to substantiate the allegations published online.

    Justice Harriman stated that the defamatory comments damaged the claimant’s reputation and warranted both general and aggravated damages.

    “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,” the judge ruled.

    The court subsequently awarded ₦20 million as general damages and ₦10 million as aggravated damages against VeryDarkMan.

    Court Orders Public Apology

    The court further ordered the social media personality to issue a public apology and retract the defamatory statements published between September 15 and September 19, 2024.

    “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,” the ruling added.

    Justice Harriman also restrained VeryDarkMan, his associates, agents, or representatives from making any further defamatory publication against Mrs Atsepoyi.

    The judgment has since triggered reactions online, with many Nigerians debating the growing trend of social media defamation cases involving celebrities and online commentators.

  • Mario Wazobia Blasts Verydarkman Over Defamation Case Involving Mr Jollof’s Wife

    Media personality Mario Wazobia has publicly criticized social commentator Verydarkman over an ongoing defamation case involving the wife of comedian Mr Jollof.

    The controversy followed reactions to a photo allegedly taken during a court session connected to the case.

    Mario Wazobia Reacts to Court Allegations

    According to Mario Wazobia, Verydarkman allegedly admitted in court that he had no concrete evidence to support claims previously made about Mr Jollof’s wife.

    Mario claimed the social commentator said the allegations were based on information he heard from other people.

    The media personality argued that such statements were reckless and damaging, especially given the seriousness of the accusations made publicly online.

    Claims Described as Harmful

    Mario stated that the lawsuit was filed after Verydarkman allegedly claimed Mr Jollof’s wife was seen at a hotel with a suspected fraudster, popularly referred to as a “Yahoo Boy.”

    He also alleged that additional statements were made suggesting she used inappropriate means to help her husband secure a political appointment.

    According to Mario, the allegations were false and harmful to her reputation.

    “This is why I will never rate VDM. In this video of VeryDarkMan in court, he admitted to not having any evidence for what he said about Mr Jollof’s wife, claiming he only heard it,” Mario said in part.

    “He also made other explicit and disrespectful claims about her, including saying she used her body to help her husband secure a political appointment, which was very inappropriate and damaging to her reputation. Meanwhile, these claims were fabricated and all lies.”

    Social Media Reactions Trail Case

    The development has since generated mixed reactions online, with supporters of both personalities debating the issue across social media platforms.

    Many users also raised concerns about defamation, online accusations, and the growing impact of social media commentary on reputations and public image.