An Ikeja High Court has fixed April 16, 2026, to deliver its ruling in a suit filed by Nigerian pastor, Chris Okafor, against Nollywood actress Doris Ogala, social media influencer Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, and public affairs commentator Kelvin Emmanuel.
The case, marked ID/14399GCMW/2026, is before Justice Akintunde Savage of the Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja.
Dr Okafor, who is the founder of Grace Nation International, also known as Liberation City, joined Ogala, Otse and Emmanuel as first, second and third defendants respectively in the suit.
When the matter came up in court on Wednesday, counsel to the claimant, Mr Ife Ajayi, told the court that all the defendants had been properly served in line with the proof of service issued by the court’s Sheriff.
Ajayi also asked the court for an extension of time to regularise certain preliminary processes in the case.
However, counsel to the first defendant, Mr Nzeakor Atulomah, drew the court’s attention to a notice of preliminary objection dated January 29, 2026.
Atulomah argued that the writ of summons filed by the claimant did not comply with Section 97 of the Sheriff and Civil Process Act. He described the section as mandatory and said failure to comply with it makes the suit defective.
“The first defendant is not based in Lagos,” Atulomah told the court. “The claimant even said that all the defendants are based in Abuja and not Lagos.”
According to him, the originating processes were served outside the jurisdiction of the Lagos court without proper endorsement, which he said makes the service incompetent.
He urged the court to strike out the suit on that ground.
In response, Ajayi relied on a counter-affidavit dated February 10 and asked the court for permission to amend the processes already filed.
He maintained that the claimant had filed a proper writ of summons and that the case was in line with the law.
Ajayi insisted that the service of court documents was properly done and urged the court to dismiss the preliminary objection raised by the first defendant.
After listening to arguments from both sides, Justice Savage adjourned the case to April 16, 2026, for ruling on the preliminary objections.
The ruling will determine whether the suit will proceed to full hearing or be struck out on technical grounds.
The case has already witnessed several legal steps before the latest adjournment.
On February 2, 2026, the court granted leave for the notice of preliminary objection to be served on the defendants by electronic means. This means the court allowed the documents to be served through digital channels, a practice that has become more common in recent years.
Earlier, on January 22, the court granted an interim order restraining the defendants from further mentioning or referring to Pastor Okafor, his church or ministry on any platform pending the determination of the substantive suit.
The interim order followed an ex-parte application filed by the claimant under Order 43 Rules 1, 2 and 7 of the High Court of Lagos State (Civil Procedure) Rules 2019.
An ex-parte application is one made to the court without the other side being present, usually when urgent action is required.
In granting the order, Justice Savage restrained the defendants, their agents or associates from publishing or releasing any alleged private materials relating to the claimant.
The court also barred the defendants from mentioning Pastor Okafor’s name, displaying his pictures or videos, or referring to the name of his church, Grace Nation International, whether orally or in writing, until the case is decided.
In addition, the defendants were restrained from releasing to the public or third parties any material allegedly intended to blackmail or extort money from the claimant pending the final resolution of the suit.
Although the full details of the dispute are yet to be heard in open court, the case appears to be linked to alleged online publications and social media comments involving the pastor and the defendants.
In recent years, social media platforms have become major spaces for public debate in Nigeria. Influencers and public figures often use these platforms to comment on religious leaders, politicians and celebrities.
However, this has also led to an increase in defamation suits and legal disputes over alleged false or damaging statements.
Pastor Chris Okafor is a well-known preacher and televangelist in Nigeria. His church, Grace Nation International, has branches in different parts of the country and abroad. Like many high-profile religious leaders, he has a large following both online and offline.
On the other hand, Doris Ogala is a Nollywood actress who has appeared in several Nigerian films. Martins Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan, is a controversial social media personality known for speaking out on trending issues. Kelvin Emmanuel is a public affairs analyst who comments on social and political matters.
The involvement of public figures on both sides of the case has drawn public attention to the proceedings.
If the court upholds the preliminary objection, the suit may be struck out or dismissed, especially if the issue of jurisdiction is found to be valid.
Jurisdiction refers to the authority of a court to hear and decide a case. If a court lacks jurisdiction, any decision it makes may be declared invalid.
However, if the court dismisses the objection, the matter will proceed to full trial, where evidence will be presented and witnesses may be called.
The case also highlights the growing tension between freedom of expression and the protection of reputation in Nigeria’s digital age.
While the Constitution guarantees freedom of speech, it also allows individuals to seek legal redress if they believe their reputation has been harmed.
For now, the interim order remains in place, and the defendants are barred from making further comments about Pastor Okafor or his church until the court decides on the preliminary objections.
All eyes will be on April 16, when Justice Savage is expected to clarify the next step in what is shaping up to be a closely watched legal battle involving religion, social media and the law.
