Nigerian socialite and crossdresser Bobrisky has filed a N1 billion lawsuit against controversial social media personality VeryDarkMan (VDM) on September 29, 2024. The legal action, initiated in the Lagos State High Court, seeks damages for alleged defamation and a public apology, marking a significant turning point in the ongoing public feud between the two internet celebrities.
As the sun rose over Lagos, Nigeria’s bustling commercial capital, legal documents were filed at the Lagos State High Court, Ikeja Division. The lawsuit, which quickly became the talk of social media platforms, alleges that VeryDarkMan engaged in a sustained campaign of defamation against Bobrisky.
This legal action is unprecedented in the Nigerian social media landscape,” remarked Lagos-based entertainment lawyer Adebayo Ogunlesi. It represents a potential watershed moment in how online disputes are resolved in the country.
At the heart of the lawsuit are several serious allegations made by VeryDarkMan against Bobrisky in recent weeks:
- Claims that Bobrisky was never actually arrested by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
- Accusations that Bobrisky bribed the EFCC with N15 million to secure his release.
- Assertions of sexual misconduct involving high-ranking police officials and politicians.
Bobrisky vehemently denies all these claims, with the lawsuit describing them as “malicious fabrications designed to tarnish my client’s reputation,” according to Bobrisky’s lead counsel, Barrister Funmi Adewale.
A key element in this legal battle is a series of audio recordings released by VeryDarkMan, purportedly evidencing his claims against Bobrisky. However, the lawsuit contends that these recordings are fraudulent.
Digital forensics expert Dr. Oluwaseun Adekunle weighs in: “Determining the authenticity of audio recordings can be a complex process. If this case goes to trial, it will likely involve extensive forensic analysis of the disputed audio files.”
The lawsuit has sent shockwaves through Nigerian social media, with hashtags #BobriskyVsVDM and #N1BillionLawsuit trending on Twitter within hours of the news breaking.
Fans and followers of both personalities have taken to various platforms to voice their opinions:
Twitter user @LagosGossip wrote: “Finally! Someone’s holding these social media bullies accountable!”
Meanwhile, @NaijaWatchdog tweeted: “Is this the end of free speech on Nigerian social media? #ConcernedCitizen”
The lawsuit seeks not only monetary damages but also a court-ordered public apology and an injunction against further “libelous and blackmailing threats” by VeryDarkMan.
As night fell on Lagos, with the city’s notorious traffic beginning to thin, the buzz around Bobrisky’s lawsuit showed no signs of abating. This legal battle between two of Nigeria’s most controversial internet personalities has thrust issues of online behavior, accountability, and the intersection of social media and law into the national spotlight.
Whether this case results in a courtroom showdown or a behind-the-scenes settlement, it marks a significant moment in the evolution of Nigeria’s digital landscape. It serves as a stark reminder of the real-world consequences that can arise from online conflicts and may prompt a reevaluation of how social media influencers conduct themselves in the public eye.
As Nigeria and the world watch this case unfold, one thing is certain: the outcome will likely have far-reaching implications for the future of social media interaction and accountability in Africa’s most populous nation.
