The Federal Capital Territory High Court has postponed the case between social media influencer Martins ‘VeryDarkMan’ Otse and Prophet Jeremiah Fufeyin of the Deliverance Mercy Land International Ministry in Warri, Delta State.
According to a recent report, Prophet Fufeyin filed a lawsuit against ‘VeryDarkMan’ for N1 billion after the influencer publicly questioned the legitimacy of his religious products and challenged him to provide the NAFDAC certification number for the items.
TVC reported on its YouTube channel that Justice Nwosu Iheme, who is overseeing the case, adjourned it until 6 September for a hearing. The adjournment came after Fufeyin’s lawyer, Ihensekhien Samuel, requested more time, citing that he had just received the defendant’s counterclaim.
Maintaining the Status Quo
Justice Iheme also ordered both parties to maintain the status quo to preserve the current situation until the case progresses further. This court order prevents either party from taking any actions that could alter the present circumstances.
TVC reported that Justice Iheme specifically restrained ‘VeryDarkMan’ from making any further derogatory remarks about Mr. Fufeyin until the latter’s injunction motion is heard.
Prophet Fufeyin is seeking a court order to compel ‘VeryDarkMan’ to retract his defamatory publications from 17 July and any other slanderous content. Additionally, he is requesting that ‘VeryDarkMan’ publish an unconditional apology in at least three national newspapers within seven days of the court’s ruling.
Perspectives from Legal Counsel
Following the court proceedings, both parties’ attorneys shared their views on the legal developments.
Fufeyin’s lawyer, Mr. Samuel, remarked, “Even after the initial status quo order, he continued to use social media to harass, defame, and drag my client. The court reiterated the status quo, and the defendant is now at risk of contempt proceedings and possibly imprisonment.”
In contrast, ‘VeryDarkMan’s’ lawyer, Ademola Adedokun, stated, “Martins Vincent Otse, who is counterclaiming N2.2 billion in damages for breach of contract and deceit, also has a pending interlocutory application to stop Prophet Jeremiah Fufeyin and his church, Christ Mercy Land Deliverance Ministry, from selling any regulated products without proof of certification or registration.”
Further Legal Action
On Sunday, Prophet Fufeyin released a statement on his Facebook page, signed by Sophia Lloyd, indicating that the church’s legal team had been instructed to take further action against ‘VeryDarkMan’ for making false allegations.
The statement addressed a recent video in which ‘VeryDarkMan’ claimed that the church had removed all approved spiritual items from its official website. The church dismissed these accusations as baseless lies and cheap propaganda, asserting that the video was a deliberate attempt to tarnish the reputation of the General Overseer and the church.
The statement clarified, “The management of Mercy Television strongly refutes the claims made by Mr. Martins Vincent Otse, also known as ‘VeryDarkMan,’ in his recent video publication. Otse alleged that the church, under the leadership of Senior Prophet Jeremiah Omoto Fufeyin, had removed all approved spiritual items from its website. These claims are unfounded lies and cheap propaganda.”
The church further emphasized that Otse is not an official representative of Mercy Television or the church and has no authority to speak or act on their behalf. The legal team has been instructed to take appropriate action regarding these false allegations.
The church also reminded the public that all official information would be communicated through verified channels and urged caution and discernment when engaging with content from Otse. Mercy Television distanced itself from any liability or responsibility for Otse’s actions, statements, or publications, reaffirming its commitment to transparency and truth.
Before the Court
Earlier, ‘VeryDarkMan’ had announced his readiness for the court proceedings on Instagram. He vowed to bring 800 deaf individuals, 700 blind people, and 36 infertile women to court, challenging Prophet Fufeyin to publicly demonstrate the effectiveness of his miracle products in front of a judge.
To back up his claims, ‘VeryDarkMan’ purchased Prophet Fufeyin’s miracle products and tested them at an undisclosed disability home in Abuja, which houses about 1,500 residents. He documented the process in a 24-minute YouTube video, showing that the products had no apparent miraculous effects on the individuals.
In response, Prophet Fufeyin addressed his congregation during a live Sunday service, stating that his spiritual products may not work for everyone, only for those who love him.
Products No Longer for Sale
Additionally, Prophet Fufeyin announced that his spiritual products, such as ‘Pool of Bethesda water’ and ‘Red Sea water,’ would no longer be sold. During the church’s August Break Program 2024 “Break the Limit” (Day 1), he stated that anyone selling his spiritual products would be cursed.
He emphasized that users must register with CMDM to receive the spiritual items for free, and the items will be prayed over, with proper guidance in place to prevent chaos.
