Nigerian Court Recognizes Social Media in Legal Service for Pastor Okafor Case

The Ikeja High Court in Nigeria has made a landmark ruling by allowing social media influencers to serve court documents through their online platforms in the case involving Pastor Dr. Chris Okafor.

Justice Akintunde Savage granted permission for Martin Ots, known as Verydarkman, and Kelvin Emmanuel to serve court documents to Nollywood actress Dori Ogala via WhatsApp and Instagram. The case, which has been adjourned to February 25, involves a suit filed by Pastor Okafor against Dori Ogala.

The court's decision came after the claimant's counsel, Mr. Ife Ajayi, explained that the physical addresses of the second and third defendants were unknown, prompting the request to use social media for service.

The court also issued an order on January 22 restraining the defendants from releasing private materials of the claimant. Legal experts have hailed this ruling as setting a precedent for using digital platforms in court processes, reflecting the adaptation of technology in the justice system.