₦1bn Legal Showdown Looms as Onyiaeze Denies Viral Allegations, Accuses Influencer of Defamation
By Joy Omagha Idam
ABUJA, NIGERIA — A major legal battle is brewing as Kelvin Onyiaeze, alongside the North American-Africa Coalition (NACA), has issued a strong rebuttal to viral allegations circulated by social media influencer Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM).
During a Press Conference in Abuja, Onyiaeze dismissed the claims in the widely circulated video as “malicious, unfounded, and defamatory,” describing them as a calculated attempt to damage his reputation.
The coalition maintained that Onyiaeze, a United States citizen and healthcare professional, has an unblemished record and is not involved in any criminal activity. Allegations linking him to land grabbing, they said, are entirely fabricated and aimed at inciting public outrage.
The statement further accused the influencer of attempting to mislead international authorities by tagging the U.S. State Department in the disputed claims. According to NACA, Onyiaeze’s engagements in Nigeria remain lawful and transparent, warning that the spread of such information could endanger members of the diaspora community.
Raising concerns about the broader implications of online misinformation, the group emphasized that digital platforms are not beyond regulation. It cited provisions of Nigeria’s Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015, noting that actions such as cyberstalking, bullying, and the dissemination of harmful content carry legal consequences.
The coalition has called on security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Office of the Attorney General, to take immediate action against Otse.
Meanwhile, Onyiaeze’s legal team, led by Barrister Abu Abubakar Orumah, has been directed to initiate a ₦1 billion libel and defamation lawsuit. The team has also issued a 48-hour ultimatum to the influencer to retract the statements or face legal action.
The unfolding dispute highlights growing concerns over the misuse of social media platforms and the potential consequences of viral content in shaping public perception and reputations.
