The Digest:
A Lagos High Court has issued an interim order restraining actress Doris Ogala and social media activist VeryDarkMan from making any references to Pastor Chris Okafor and his ministry on social media platforms. Justice M. A. Savage granted the order, which also prohibits the defendants from publishing or sharing any private materials, including messages, images, videos, or recordings, related to Okafor while the substantive suit is ongoing. The order followed an interview conducted by VeryDarkMan with a woman claiming to be Okafor’s daughter, and allegations by Ogala regarding a past relationship with the pastor.
Key Points:
- The ruling underscores the legal limits of social media commentary, especially concerning personal and private disputes involving public figures.
- It highlights the growing judicial response to online defamation, harassment, and potential blackmail in Nigeria’s digital space.
- The case reflects the intersection of celebrity culture, social media influence, and legal accountability in Nigeria.
- It may set a precedent for how similar disputes involving influencers, celebrities, and religious leaders are handled legally.
- The order aims to prevent further public escalation and potential damage to reputations while the court hears the substantive matter.
Sources: Vanguard, The Cable
