Tag: Chris Okafor

An Ikeja High Court has scheduled April 16 for ruling in a case brought by Nigerian pastor Dr Chris Okafor against Nollywood actress Doris Ogala, social media influencer Martins Otse, known as VeryDarkMan, and Kelvin Emmanuel. The suit, filed under case number ID/14399GCMW/2026, lists Ogala, Otse, and Emmanuel as the first, second, and third defendants, respectively. When the case was called on Wednesday before Justice Akintunde Savage, Okafor’s lawyer, Ife Ajayi, informed the court that all defendants had been properly served according to the court-issued proof of service. He also requested additional time to complete certain preliminary filings. Counsel to the first defendant argued that Ogala is not based in Lagos, noting that the claimant himself acknowledged the defendants are all in Abuja. He claimed that serving the first defendant outside the court’s jurisdiction rendered the process invalid. Ajayi, however, relied on a counter-affidavit dated February 10 and sought the court’s permission to amend the filed processes, insisting that the writ of summons had been properly issued. After hearing submissions, Justice Savage adjourned the matter to April 16 to rule on the preliminary objections. Earlier in the case, the court had, on February 2, 2026, approved the service of the notice of preliminary objection on the defendants via electronic means. Additionally, on January 22, the court issued an interim order restraining the defendants from referencing Okafor, his church, or ministry on any platform pending the final determination of the suit. The order, issued following an ex-parte application under Order 43 Rules 1, 2, and 7 of the Lagos State High Court Civil Procedure Rules 2019, also barred the defendants from publishing any private materials, including chats, texts, images, or videos involving Okafor, as well as from mentioning his church, Grace Nation International, also known as Liberation City. The defendants are further restrained from releasing any materials allegedly aimed at blackmail or extortion until the suit is finally resolved.

Pastor Chris Okafor’s legal team has directed a firm warning to Nollywood actress Doris Ogala, social media influencer VeryDarkMan (VDM), and several bloggers, urging them to submit proof of their allegations to the Nigerian Police or risk criminal prosecution. Speaking in Lagos, Ife Ajayi, Lead Partner at Sovereignty LP, described the accusations against Pastor Okafor as “false, malicious, and part of a coordinated campaign of cyberbullying, blackmail, and public incitement.” Ajayi explained that the claims, which resurfaced online in December 2025, were initially made by Ogala and later spread by bloggers, all while denying Pastor Okafor the opportunity to respond. The legal team said the controversy began in late 2024 following a business arrangement involving Ogala and a third party. Pastor Okafor reportedly withdrew after determining the deal could not yield the intended outcome. Ogala subsequently claimed he owed her ₦45 million, which Ajayi described as unfounded. “Whenever one allegation failed to gain attention, another emerged. It was a systematic attempt to see what would stick,” he stated. Ajayi also highlighted that Ogala had previously been arrested and charged for cyberstalking, cyberbullying, and issuing threats in connection with similar incidents, a case that was settled out of court. “During that process, she never alleged rape, sexual assault, or an affair. Those claims only surfaced after the settlement was allegedly breached,” he added. Following a resurgence of online attacks, new complaints were filed with the police, resulting in Ogala’s arrest and questioning. Ajayi accused VDM and other online platforms of misusing their influence, warning: “You cannot act as accuser, investigator, prosecutor, and judge simultaneously. Allegations of rape or murder must be reported to law enforcement.” He confirmed that formal criminal complaints have been lodged against those spreading the claims and reiterated that Doris Ogala, VDM, and other bloggers must present their evidence to the police.