Rivers lawyers want VeryDarkMan to apologise over alleged defamation of Wike’s son

The Abuja Based Rivers Lawyers Association (ABRLA) has condemned a video publication by social media activist Martin Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, against its member, Jordan Wike, describing it as defamatory.

In a press statement dated October 24, 2026, and jointly signed by C. Njoku, Esq. and P. L. Osakwe, Esq., the association said its attention was drawn to a widely circulated video published on or about October 21, 2026, in which VeryDarkMan made several allegations against Wike.

According to the statement, VeryDarkMan referred to Wike as a “thief” and accused him of involvement in an alleged $2.1 million fraud relating to land acquisition and purported lobbying activities in the United Kingdom.

The association said the video, which has garnered millions of views on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube, also alleged that Wike admitted to receiving the money and handing it to his father.

ABRLA said VeryDarkMan further alleged that Wike is the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for Obio/Akpor Federal Constituency in the 2027 general elections, and referred to him as “Jordan Wicked.”

The group said the allegations were capable of exposing its member to public ridicule, contempt and reputational injury. It said it would ordinarily have refrained from commenting on a matter that is sub judice, but that the gravity and reach of the publication made a response necessary.

“Wike is not a thief or fraudster as portrayed, and no court of competent jurisdiction in Nigeria or outside has pronounced him as such. The pendency of a suit does not amount to a conviction, and Wike has denied any involvement in fraudulent activity in his defence before the court.

“He never admitted to receiving $2.1 million from anyone, nor giving same to his father.

“He is not the candidate of the APC for Obio/Akpor Federal Constituency. He never indicated interest nor contested in the party’s primary, adding that the APC candidate for the constituency is Hon. Martins Amaewhule.

“His name is Jordan Wike, Esq., not Jordan Wicked,” the statement said.

The association noted that while freedom of expression is constitutionally protected, it does not confer a licence to publish defamatory statements or present unproven criminal allegations as facts.

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ABRLA demanded that VeryDarkMan:

“Respect judicial process and desist from media trial of its member since the matter is pending in court.

“Immediately retract and withdraw the video and all associated publications from all platforms.

“Cease and desist from further publication or republication of similar allegations.

“Within seven days, issue a clear, unequivocal and unreserved public apology to Jordan Wike, Esq.”

The association warned that failure to comply would lead to steps being taken on behalf of its member to ventilate his rights.