GistReel
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 said he had contacted his lawyer and would pursue legal action over the alleged recording.
Ovie threatens legal action
Ovie expressed disappointment with VeryDarkMan, accusing him of publicly releasing a recording of court proceedings without authorisation.
He said a petition would be filed before the court, while the relevant authorities would also be engaged over the matter.
According to Ovie: “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.”
‘Court proceedings cannot be recorded without consent’
Ovie argued that court proceedings cannot be recorded or broadcast without the express permission of the court.
He further alleged that the action could amount to contempt of court and a violation of relevant court rules and practice directions.
“1. Court proceedings cannot be recorded or broadcast without the express consent of the court.
“2. This action amounts to Contempt of Court under Nigerian law and a direct violation of Court Rules and Practice Directions.
“3. The judiciary must be protected from becoming a content and social media circus.”
He stressed the importance of protecting the dignity and integrity of the judiciary, warning against turning court proceedings into material for social media engagement.
‘Courtrooms are places of justice, not content studios’
Ovie maintained that courtrooms should remain focused on the administration of justice rather than social media content creation.
He also raised concerns about the potential impact of unauthorised recordings on the rights of parties involved in court cases.
“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 public controversy surrounding members of the Okoye family and the long-running P-Square saga.
Ovie’s comments have added another layer to the controversy, shifting attention towards the alleged recording and publication of court proceedings involving Peter Okoye.
However, the allegations and Ovie’s demand for arrest do not by themselves establish that VeryDarkMan committed a criminal offence.
The relevant court and authorities would have to determine whether the recording was made or published unlawfully and whether any contempt or other offence was committed.