Ossai Ovie Success, Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Delta State Governor, has called for the arrest and prosecution of social media activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan.
Ovie made the call following the circulation of an alleged recording of court proceedings involving singer Peter Okoye of the defunct music group, P-Square.
In a Facebook post, the Delta State Government aide disclosed that he had contacted his lawyer and was prepared to take legal action over the alleged recording.
Ovie threatens legal action against VeryDarkMan
Ovie expressed disappointment with VeryDarkMan, accusing the activist of publicly releasing a recording of court proceedings without authorisation.
He said a petition would be filed before the court, while relevant authorities would also be contacted over the matter.
According to Ovie, the alleged release of the recording was unlawful and should be investigated.
He wrote:
“VERY DARK MAN WILL AND MUST BE ARRESTED FOR RELEASING UNAUTHORIZED RECORDING OF COURT PROCEEDINGS INVOLVING PETER OF P-SQUARE.
“I have reached out to my lawyer and we are taking all necessary legal steps. A petition will be filed with the court, and the appropriate authorities will be engaged.
“I am highly disappointed in Mr Martins Vincent Otse aka VeryDarkMan for publicly releasing a recording of court proceedings involving Mr Peter Okoye of P-SQUARE.
“Let it be clear: This is against the law.”
Ovie raises concerns over recording of court proceedings
The Delta governor’s aide further argued that court proceedings should not be recorded or broadcast without the necessary permission from the court.
He alleged that such an action could amount to contempt of court and violate relevant court rules and practice directions.
Ovie also called on the judiciary to protect the dignity of court proceedings from being turned into social media content.
He stated:
“Court proceedings cannot be recorded or broadcast without the express consent of the court.
“This action amounts to Contempt of Court under Nigerian law and a direct violation of Court Rules and Practice Directions.
“The judiciary must be protected from becoming a content and social media circus.”
“Courtrooms are places of justice, not content studios”
Ovie maintained that courtrooms should remain focused on the administration of justice rather than social media engagement.
He also expressed concern about the possible effect of unauthorised recordings on the rights of parties involved in ongoing cases.
He added:
“Courtrooms are places of justice, not content studios. The dignity of the court and the right to fair hearing of all parties involved must be respected.
“VeryDarkMan will and must be arrested and prosecuted for this illegal act. No one is above the law. Not because of followers, not because of clout.
“We must defend the rule of law and the integrity of our courts. I am highly disappointed.”
The development comes amid the ongoing controversy surrounding the Okoye family and the long-running P-Square saga.
Ovie’s demand has now introduced another dimension to the dispute, with attention shifting to the alleged recording and publication of court proceedings involving Peter Okoye.
However, Ovie’s allegations and call for arrest do not, on their own, establish that VeryDarkMan committed a criminal offence. Whether the recording was unlawfully obtained or published, and whether it amounts to contempt or another offence, would ultimately be determined by the relevant court and authorities.
