A Nigerian-American healthcare specialist, Kelvin Onyiaeze, has threatened to file a N1 billion defamation suit against social media commentator, Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, over allegations made in a viral video.
Onyiaeze disclosed this during a briefing in Abuja following claims by the influencer accusing him of involvement in land-grabbing activities.
Describing the allegations as false and malicious, Onyiaeze said the claims were a deliberate attempt to damage his reputation and incite public hostility.
At the same briefing, the North American-Africa Coalition defended Onyiaeze, describing him as an accomplished professional with a spotless record.
“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,” the coalition said.
It added that the use of social media to malign professionals, particularly those in the diaspora, poses wider risks.
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“The attempt to weaponize 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,” it stated.
It expressed concern over what it 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, the coalition argued that the content in question may amount to cyberstalking, bullying, and dissemination of harmful material intended to cause fear and reputational damage.
“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 said.
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 Abubarka Orumah, has been directed to commence legal proceedings, including filing a libel and defamation suit against the social media personality
Newsexpress
