Diaspora Group Issues Legal Notice to VeryDarkMan Over Alleged Defamation

A diaspora-based organisation, Future Platform–Diaspora Group, has issued a legal notice to social media influencer, Martin Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, over alleged defamatory remarks directed at Seyi Tinubu.

In a statement released by the group, its convener, Austine Dafe, and publicity secretary, Kunle Olaosebikan, expressed concern over what they described as a growing trend of cyberbullying and reputational attacks within Nigeria’s digital space.

The group stressed that while freedom of expression remains a fundamental right in a democratic society, it must be exercised responsibly and within the boundaries of the law. It warned that the spread of unverified allegations capable of damaging an individual’s reputation could attract serious legal consequences.

According to the statement, individuals with large online followings have both legal and moral obligations to ensure that any claims they make are supported by credible evidence, especially when such claims are disseminated to a wide audience.

The organisation called on VeryDarkMan to immediately cease making further statements considered defamatory against Seyi Tinubu. It also demanded a full public retraction of the alleged comments, alongside a formal apology to be issued on the same platforms where the statements were originally published.

Furthermore, the group indicated its readiness to pursue legal action, including civil proceedings and claims for damages, if the alleged defamatory conduct continues.

While clarifying that its move is not intended to suppress lawful criticism or democratic engagement, the group emphasized the importance of accountability in public discourse and called for stricter enforcement of existing cybercrime and defamation laws to protect individuals’ reputations.