Judge rules that court documents can be served via verified social media accounts.

An Ikeja High Court judge, Justice Akintunde Savage, has ordered that social media critic Martins Otse (VeryDarkMan) and Kelvin Emmanuel be served court documents through WhatsApp, Instagram, and other verified online platforms in the suit filed by controversial pastor Chris Okafor against Nollywood actress Doris Ogala.

According to CBI News, the landmark ruling on Monday marks a significant step in the digital evolution of Nigeria’s legal system, allowing court documents to be served via active social media accounts.

The court’s decision followed submissions from the Claimant’s Counsel, Ife Ajayi, who explained that the originating process had already been published in a national newspaper, but the physical addresses of the second and third defendants were unknown.

Ogala’s Counsel also requested the use of social media for direct service, which the court approved without objection.

Justice Savage emphasised accountability, instructing the Bailiff to provide proof of service through online confirmation.

The case was adjourned to February 25 for verification of service and a hearing of preliminary objections.

Legal experts note that the ruling sets a precedent for the use of digital platforms in serving court processes, reflecting the justice system’s adaptation to modern technology while protecting the rights of public figures and ensuring due process in high-profile cases.

This development follows a January 22 court order restraining the defendants from mentioning Okafor, his church, or ministry on any platform, and from releasing private materials such as texts, images, or videos that could be used to blackmail or extort the claimant.