Court Bars Verydarkman From Speaking on Prophet Fufeyin, Throws Out His Objections

A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) sitting in Nyanya has granted a full interlocutory injunction against social media activist Martin Otse, popularly known as Verydarkman (VDM), in the ongoing defamation suit filed by Prophet Jeremiah Fufeyin, founder of Christ Mercyland Deliverance Ministry, Warri, Delta State.

The court, presided over by Justice A.Y. Shafa, also dismissed all preliminary objections raised by VDM. The legal proceedings stem from allegations made by VDM against Prophet Fufeyin on social media.

In April, PREMIUM TIMES reported that both sides had presented their applications, with Fufeyin’s legal team, led by Ihensekhien Samuel, asking the court to grant injunctive reliefs. At the time, VDM had also reportedly pledged to refrain from further defamatory statements and not interfere with the judicial process.

Though judgment was initially reserved for 2 July, the ruling was delivered on Thursday, with the court siding with the plaintiff.

Confirming the development, Mr Samuel said in a statement:

“The FCT High Court today, in two court rulings against Verydarkman, dismissed all preliminary objections filed by him and instead granted a complete interlocutory order of status quo ante bellum until the final suit is determined.”

He added that the ruling followed the court’s hearing of the motion on notice for injunctive orders filed by Prophet Jeremiah.

With this ruling, VDM is now legally restrained from making further public statements or actions related to the case until its final determination.