The Ikeja High Court has scheduled April 16, 2026, to deliver its ruling in a high-profile legal dispute involving Nigerian cleric Chris Okafor and Nollywood actress Doris Ogala, alongside social media influencer Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, and commentator Kelvin Emmanuel.
The suit, marked ID/14399GCMW/2026, is centered on allegations of defamatory publications, blackmail, and the unlawful release of private materials.
Okafor, founder of Grace Nation International (also known as Liberation City), is seeking legal redress over claims he says have damaged his reputation and ministry.
During proceedings before Justice Akintunde Savage, counsel to the claimant confirmed that all defendants had been duly served.
However, counsel to the first defendant filed a preliminary objection, arguing that the originating processes did not comply with Section 97 of the Sheriff and Civil Process Act.
The defence contended that since the defendants are based outside Lagos, the service of court documents was invalid, thereby challenging the court’s jurisdiction.
In response, the claimant’s legal team filed a counter-affidavit and sought leave to amend certain processes, maintaining that the writ of summons complied with statutory requirements.
Earlier, the court granted an interim injunction restraining the defendants from making further references to Okafor, his church, or ministry pending determination of the substantive suit.
The order also bars the publication or distribution of alleged private chats, images, videos, or any materials purportedly linked to the cleric.
The April 16 ruling will determine the fate of the preliminary objections and could shape the direction of the broader defamation and blackmail case, drawing significant public and legal attention across Nigeria’s media and religious communities.
