A Nigerian-American healthcare specialist, Kelvin Onyiaeze, has threatened to file a N1 billion defamation suit against social media commentator Martins Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan, over allegations of character assassination.
Onyiaeze, at a press briefing in Abuja, said the influencer accused him of land grabbing.
Describing the allegations as false and malicious, Onyiaeze said the claims were a deliberate attempt to damage his reputation and incite public hostility.
According to him, the allegations were a calculated effort to tarnish his image and mislead the public, warning that the situation could escalate beyond Nigeria.
“The allegations contained in the viral video are a total falsehood and a coordinated attempt at character assassination. Mr. Kelvin Onyiaeze is a law-abiding United States citizen and a distinguished healthcare specialist,” he said.
He added that the use of social media to malign professionals, particularly those in the diaspora, poses wider risks.
“The attempt to weaponise social media to destroy the livelihood of an international healthcare professional is not only wicked but a threat to the safety of the diaspora community,” he stated.
He expressed concern over what he described as an attempt by the influencer to draw international attention by tagging the U.S. State Department in the controversial claims, noting that such actions risk misleading diplomatic channels and amplifying misinformation globally.
Citing the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act 2015, he argued that the content in question may amount to cyberstalking, bullying, and dissemination of harmful material intended to cause fear and reputational damage.
Onyiaeze said: “We wish to remind the public and authorities that the digital space is not a lawless vacuum. The actions of ‘VeryDarkMan’ constitute violations relating to cyberstalking, bullying, and the spread of harmful content capable of causing reputational harm.”
He called on security agencies, including the Nigeria Police Force and the Department of State Services, to investigate the matter and take appropriate action.
“We urge the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services, and the Office of the Attorney General to take immediate steps. The law must serve as a deterrent to individuals who use digital platforms to blackmail and de-market hardworking citizens for clout or financial gain,” he added.
He further disclosed that his legal team, led by Barrister Abubakar Orumah, has been directed to commence legal proceedings, including filing a libel and defamation suit against the social media personality.
