A Federal High Court sitting in Effurun, Delta State, has ordered social media personality Verydarkman to pay ₦30 million in damages to Esinjemiyotan Uruneyonjuyei Atsepoyi over defamatory statements made against her online.
The controversy reportedly started in September 2024 during a social media dispute involving Verydarkman and comedian Mr Jollof.
During the online clash, Verydarkman allegedly accused Mr Jollof’s wife of engaging in adultery with politicians and internet fraudsters to help her husband secure a political appointment in Delta State.
Following the allegations, Mr Jollof publicly defended his wife, while Mrs Atsepoyi later filed a ₦500 million defamation lawsuit against the activist.
According to court documents reportedly signed by R. Harriman on May 13, 2026, the court ruled in favour of the claimant after finding that Verydarkman failed to provide evidence supporting his allegations.
Justice Harriman held that the statements were defamatory in their natural and ordinary meaning and were legally actionable.
The court awarded ₦20 million as general damages and an additional ₦10 million as aggravated damages, bringing the total compensation to ₦30 million.
The judge also ordered Verydarkman to publish a public apology and retraction within 14 days in two national newspapers and across all his social media platforms.
According to the ruling, the activist was further restrained from making any additional defamatory publications against Mrs Atsepoyi.
The case has since generated reactions online, with supporters and critics debating the judgment and its implications for online commentary, defamation, and social media accountability in Nigeria.
Discover more from The NaijaWide News
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
