Popular Nigerian social media critic VeryDarkMan has been ordered by a Delta State Federal High Court to pay N30 million in damages to the wife of comedian Mr Jollof following a defamation lawsuit that started after a heated online clash back in 2024.
The case, which attracted heavy attention online at the time, centered around allegations VeryDarkMan made against Mr Jollof’s wife, Mrs. Esinjemiyotan Uruneyonjuyei Atsepoyi. During an online altercation with the comedian in September 2024, the activist and content creator accused her of having affairs with politicians and Yahoo boys in an attempt to help her husband secure a political appointment in Delta State.
Those comments quickly spread across social media and triggered serious backlash. At the time, many people online felt the situation had crossed the line from normal internet drama into damaging personal accusations.
In response to the accusations, Mr Jollof fired back at VeryDarkMan, describing him as someone who came from a broken home and suggesting he lacked proper upbringing. But while the two men traded words online, Mr Jollof’s wife decided to take legal action instead.
She filed a N500 million defamation suit against VeryDarkMan, arguing that the allegations made against her were false and deeply damaging to her reputation.
Now, months later, the court has delivered its judgment.
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Court Says Allegations Were Defamatory
According to court documents signed by Hon. Justice R. Harriman on May 13, 2026, the court ruled in favor of Mrs. Esinjemiyotan Uruneyonjuyei Atsepoyi after finding that VeryDarkMan failed to provide evidence to support the claims he made online.
The court ordered him to pay N20 million as general damages and another N10 million as aggravated damages, bringing the total amount to N30 million.
Justice Harriman stated that the comments made by VeryDarkMan were defamatory in their “natural and ordinary meaning” and therefore actionable under the law.
Part of the ruling also requires VeryDarkMan to publicly apologize within 14 days. The court directed him to publish apologies in two national newspapers as well as across all his social media accounts. The apology must include a clear retraction of the statements he made in September 2024.
The judge further restrained him from making additional defamatory comments against the claimant in the future.
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In the ruling, Justice Harriman referenced previous legal authorities while explaining the decision. He noted that because the statements were widely shared online, an apology and retraction were necessary to help repair the claimant’s reputation.
Honestly, that part probably stood out to many people following the case. Online statements spread incredibly fast in Nigeria, especially when they involve celebrities or internet personalities. Once accusations go viral, they can remain online permanently even after they’re proven false.
Social Media Reacts To The Judgment
Not surprisingly, reactions to the judgment appeared almost immediately online. Supporters of Mr Jollof and his wife praised the court’s decision, saying it sends a message that people should be careful about making unverified accusations on social media.
Others argued that the ruling reflects a growing willingness by courts to hold influencers and online personalities accountable for damaging statements made during internet feuds.
Still, some supporters of VeryDarkMan questioned the size of the damages awarded, while others claimed the activist was simply being outspoken in his usual controversial style. That said, even some neutral observers admitted the allegations made against Mr Jollof’s wife were extremely serious.
The entire situation has once again highlighted how personal online disputes can quickly escalate into major legal battles. What may begin as social media banter or emotional arguments can sometimes lead to long-term consequences, especially when accusations involve someone’s character, marriage, or reputation.
Over the past few years, Nigerian internet culture has become increasingly aggressive, with public figures often exchanging insults and allegations openly online. Some people see it as entertainment, while others think the trend is getting dangerous.
And maybe this ruling will make a few content creators pause before posting certain things. Or maybe not. Social media drama moves fast, and people often forget yesterday’s controversy once a new one appears.
For now, though, the court’s message seems pretty clear: accusations without evidence can come at a very expensive price.
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