News

Abuja-Based Rivers Lawyers Demand Retraction, Apology From VeryDarkMan Over Alleged Defamation Of Jordan Wike

MouthpieceNGR

The Abuja-Based Rivers Lawyers Association (ABRLA) has demanded an immediate retraction and public apology from social media influencer, Martin Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, over alleged defamatory statements against one of its members, Jordan Wike, Esq.

In a statement signed by C. Njoku, Esq. and P. L. Osakwe, Esq., on behalf of the association, ABRLA said its attention was drawn to a video published by VeryDarkMan on or about October 21, 2026, which has garnered millions of views across Facebook, Instagram and YouTube.

In the video, VeryDarkMan allegedly referred to Jordan Wike as a “thief” and accused him of involvement in a $2.1 million fraud relating to land acquisition and lobbying activities in the United Kingdom.

He also allegedly claimed Wike admitted to receiving the money and handing it to his father, and further referred to him as “Jordan Wicked” while identifying him as the APC candidate for Obio/Akpor Federal Constituency in the 2027 general elections.

ABRLA described the allegations as false, misleading and capable of exposing its member to public ridicule and reputational injury.

Setting the records straight, the association stated:

  1. No court in Nigeria or outside has convicted Jordan Wike as a thief or fraudster, and pendency of a suit does not amount to conviction. He has denied any fraudulent activity in his defence before the court.
  2. He never admitted to receiving $2.1 million from anyone nor giving same to his father.
  3. He is not the APC candidate for Obio/Akpor Federal Constituency. He never indicated interest nor contested in the APC primary, adding that the party’s candidate is Hon. Martins Amaewhule.
  4. His name remains Jordan Wike, Esq., not “Jordan Wicked.”

The association said while it ordinarily would not comment on matters that are sub judice, the gravity and reach of the publication made it necessary to respond.

It added that freedom of expression does not confer licence to publish defamatory statements or present unproven criminal allegations as facts.

The group demanded that VeryDarkMan:

  • Respect judicial process and desist from media trial of its member
  • Immediately retract and withdraw the video from all platforms
  • Cease from further publication of similar allegations
  • Issue a clear and unreserved public apology within seven days

It warned that failure to comply will lead to steps to enforce Wike’s legal rights.