The FCT High Court, presided over by Justice A.Y. Shafa and sitting in Nyanya, Abuja, today commenced a fresh hearing in the suit filed by Prophet Jeremiah Omoto Fufeyin of Christ Mercyland Deliverance Ministry, Warri, Delta State, against popular YouTuber, blogger, and self-proclaimed freedom fighter, Mr. Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as Very DarkMan (VDM).
In the resumed proceedings, the court indicated its intention to grant fresh orders maintaining the status quo, following the concession by VDM’s counsel, Ademola Adedokun, who agreed that his client would refrain from further acts of libel or defamatory publications against Prophet Jeremiah on social media platforms, including Facebook and YouTube.
The court also heard all pending applications, including Prophet Jeremiah’s substantive applications and VDM’s preliminary objections. Justice Shafa reserved ruling on these matters until July 2, 2025.
According to the statement of claim filed by Prophet Jeremiah’s lead counsel, Joel Karatu, Esq., in July 2024, the claimant detailed various allegedly libelous posts and videos published by VeryDarkMan across several social media platforms. Prophet Jeremiah asserts that these defamatory materials have caused significant reputational harm, exposing him to public ridicule among members of his congregation and business associates worldwide.
During today’s proceedings, Prophet Jeremiah’s legal team, led by human rights lawyer Ihensekhien Samuel Jr., emphasized that VeryDarkMan had persistently produced defamatory content targeting not only Prophet Jeremiah but also his wife and ministry. Samuel Jr. argued that VDM’s daily publication of such materials constituted a continuous campaign of defamation.
Responding to the court, VDM’s counsel, Mr. Ademola Oyedokun, assured the presiding judge that his client would desist from any further defamatory publications or actions that could undermine the ongoing judicial process.
The matter is set to continue on July 2, 2025, when the court is expected to deliver its ruling on the pending applications.
