In a ruling that has ignited debate over free speech and online censorship, the Federal Capital Territory High Court in Nyanya, Abuja, has barred popular social media activist Martins Otse, aka VeryDarkMan (VDM), from making any further statements about gospel singer Mercy Chinwo amid an ongoing defamation lawsuit.
The ruling, delivered by Justice Aliyu Shafa on Thursday, has divided public opinion, with supporters of Chinwo hailing it as a victory against cyber harassment, while others see it as a dangerous attempt to silence critics on social media.
Court Issues Gag Order on VDM
The court order follows a lawsuit filed by Mercy Chinwo, accusing VDM of making false and damaging claims about her on social media. The singer’s legal team, led by Henry Eni-Otu, argued that VDM’s statements had caused reputational harm and demanded an immediate injunction to stop him from posting further content about her.
In suit number FCT/HC/GWD/CV/39/2025 and motion number FCT/HC/NY/M/1371/2025, Chinwo urged the court to restrain VDM from publishing, sharing, or disseminating any information about her pending a full trial.
Granting the request, Justice Aliyu Shafa ruled:
The defendant/respondent (VDM) is hereby restrained, either by himself, his servants, privies, cohorts, representatives, or any person deriving authority from him, from further posting, publishing, sharing, circulating, disseminating, or broadcasting through any social media platform or electronic means any information, statement, or comment whatsoever in respect of or against the claimant/applicant.
The case has been adjourned to March 25, 2025, for a full hearing.
Free Speech or Social Media Muzzle? Nigerians React
The court’s ruling has sparked outrage among VDM’s supporters, who argue that the decision undermines free speech and sets a dangerous precedent for social media activism in Nigeria.
>So now celebrities can just sue and silence people for speaking out? This is a violation of free speech, one social media user commented.
Others, however, applauded the decision, insisting that social media activism should not justify defamation and online harassment.
VDM has built a brand on controversy and dragging people online. If he defamed Mercy Chinwo, then he should face the consequences, a Twitter user wrote.
Legal Showdown Looms
With the next hearing scheduled for March 25, all eyes are on the case as it tests the limits of free speech, defamation laws, and the growing power of social media personalities in Nigeria.
Will the court uphold its gag order, or will this case mark a turning point in the battle between celebrity reputation and online activism?
