By By Elizabeth Ugbo
An Ikeja High Court will on April 16, 2026, deliver its ruling in a suit filed by Nigerian pastor Dr Chris Okafor against Nollywood actress Doris Ogala, social media influencer Martins Otse (VeryDarkMan) and Kelvin Emmanuel. The case, marked ID/14399GCMW/2026, is before Justice Akintunde Savage. Okafor filed the suit in Lagos, alleging blackmail and unlawful publication of private materials, while the defendants challenge the court’s jurisdiction and service of processes.
Court Grants Interim Restraining Order
Earlier, the court granted an interim order following an ex-parte application under Order 43 Rules 1, 2 and 7 of the High Court of Lagos State (Civil Procedure) Rules 2019.
Justice Savage restrained the defendants, their agents and privies from publishing or releasing alleged private materials. These include chats, conversations, texts, pictures, images or videos linked to the claimant.
The court also barred them from mentioning Okafor’s name or displaying his images. In addition, it stopped them from referring to his church, Grace Nation International, also known as Liberation City, pending the determination of the suit.
Furthermore, the judge restrained the defendants from releasing any material allegedly meant to blackmail or extort money from the claimant until the case concludes.
Defendants Challenge Jurisdiction
However, counsel to the first defendant, Mr Nzeakor Atulomah, filed a notice of preliminary objection dated January 29, 2026.
Atulomah argued that the writ of summons did not comply with Section 97 of the Sheriff and Civil Process Act. He described the provision as mandatory and urged the court to strike out the suit.
He also argued that the first defendant does not reside in Lagos. According to him, the claimant admitted that all defendants are based in Abuja. Therefore, he said service of originating processes outside Lagos rendered the suit incompetent.
Claimant Insists on Proper Service
In response, counsel to the claimant, Mr Ife Ajayi, maintained that the writ of summons complied with the law.
Ajayi told the court that the defendants received proper service, based on proof issued by the court’s Sheriff. He also relied on a counter-affidavit dated February 10.
Additionally, he sought leave to amend certain filed processes and requested more time to regularise preliminary matters.
Earlier, on February 2, 2026, the court allowed service of the notice of preliminary objection through electronic means.
Ruling Set for April 16
After hearing arguments from both sides, Justice Savage adjourned the matter to April 16 for ruling on the preliminary objections.
The decision will determine whether the substantive suit proceeds or gets struck out on technical grounds.
