A Federal High Court in Effurun, Delta State, has ordered VeryDarkMan to pay N30 million in damages. The ruling came in a defamation case filed by Mrs Esinjemiyotan Uruneyonjuyei Atsepoyi, wife of comedian Mr Jollof.
VeryDarkMan made the accusations in September 2024. During an online dispute with Mr Jollof, he alleged that the comedian's wife had engaged in infidelity with politicians and internet fraudsters to help secure her husband a political position in Delta State.
Mr Jollof responded by attacking VeryDarkMan's upbringing. He claimed the social media personality came from a broken home and lacked proper training.
Mrs Atsepoyi filed suit against VeryDarkMan over the allegations. She initially sought N500 million in damages for defamation.
Hon. Justice R.
Harriman delivered the court's judgment on May 13, 2026. Court documents obtained by DAILY POST show the judge rejected VeryDarkMan's defense entirely.
VeryDarkMan couldn't substantiate his claims in court. Justice Harriman ruled that he had failed to provide any evidence supporting his accusations.
The court awarded N20 million as general damages. An additional N10 million was awarded as aggravated damages.
Justice Harriman found the words defamatory in their natural and ordinary meaning. According to the judgment, they were "actionable per se," a legal term meaning harmful without requiring proof of damages.
Beyond the money, VeryDarkMan must publish a public apology. He's been given just 14 days to do so across two major newspapers and all his social media accounts.
His retraction must specifically address posts from September 15, 16, and the early hours of September 19, 2024. The apology must clearly withdraw the defamatory statements he made about Mrs Atsepoyi.
In his ruling, Justice Harriman emphasized the wide reach of the allegations. He noted that given how broadly the defamatory material spread, a public retraction was necessary to restore her reputation.
The court also issued an injunction against VeryDarkMan. He's now barred from making any further defamatory statements about Mrs Atsepoyi, whether directly or through agents.
VeryDarkMan's failure to provide evidence proved costly in court. The judgment shows that making serious accusations online without backing them up can result in substantial legal consequences.
