Justice M. A Savage of the High Court of Lagos State, Ikeja, on Thursday issued an interim gag order restraining social media influencer, Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), actress Doris Ogala and one Kelvin Chimaobi Emmanuel, also known as Kaatruth, from further mentioning Pastor Chris Okafor on any social media platform.

The judge granted the order after hearing two applications moved by Ife Ajayi, lead counsel to Pastor Okafor, the founder of Grace Nation International, also known as Liberation City.

In the ruling, the court restrained the defendants, their agents, or privies from mentioning or referring to Pastor Okafor, displaying his images or videos, or mentioning the name of his church on social media or any other media platform, pending the hearing and determination of a motion on notice fixed for February 2, 2026.

Justice Savage further barred the defendants from releasing any alleged private materials, including chats, conversations, text messages, pictures or videos, said to be intended for blackmail or extortion of money from the claimant.

The court also granted Pastor Okafor’s application for substituted service, ordering that service of court processes on the defendants be effected through newspaper publication.

Parties were also directed to maintain the status quo.

The suit was brought pursuant to Order 43, Rules 1, 2 and 7 of the High Court of Lagos State (Civil Procedure) Rules 2019 and under the court’s inherent jurisdiction.

Justice Savage has adjourned to February 2, 2026, for hearing. (Nigerian Tribune)