The Abuja Based Rivers Lawyers Association (ABRLA) has demanded the immediate retraction of alleged defamatory publications against its member, Mr. Jordan Wike, Esq., and a public apology from social media personality Martin Vincent Etse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan.
The association, in a press statement dated October 24, 2026, condemned a video allegedly published and circulated by VeryDarkMan on or about October 21, in which he reportedly accused Wike of fraud, dishonesty and other alleged improprieties.
According to ABRLA, the video, which it said had attracted millions of views and numerous comments across Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and other social media platforms, described Wike as a “thief” and linked him to an alleged $2.1 million fraud involving land acquisition and purported lobbying activities in the United Kingdom.
The association also faulted the allegation that Wike was the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Obio/Akpor Federal Constituency in Rivers State for the 2027 general elections scheduled for January 16, 2027.
It further disputed the claim that its member had admitted receiving the alleged $2.1 million and handing the money over to his father.
ABRLA said the allegations, alongside the reported use of the name “Jordan Wicked” to refer to its member, could expose him to public ridicule, contempt and reputational damage, particularly given his status as a legal practitioner.
Association Sets Records Straight
Explaining its decision to address the matter publicly, ABRLA said it would ordinarily have refrained from commenting on allegations connected with a case pending before a court, in deference to the administration of justice.
However, it said the gravity of the allegations, the wide circulation of the video and the potential consequences for its member’s reputation had made a formal response necessary.
The association maintained that Wike should not be portrayed as a criminal, stressing that no court of competent jurisdiction in Nigeria or elsewhere had convicted him of the alleged offences.
It added that the pendency of a suit against an individual did not amount to a conviction, noting that its member had denied involvement in any fraudulent activity in his defence in the pending case.
ABRLA also insisted that Wike had neither admitted receiving the alleged $2.1 million from anyone nor acknowledged handing the money over to his father.
On the political allegation, the association stated that Wike had neither expressed interest in nor contested the APC primary election for the Obio/Akpor Federal Constituency seat.
It identified Hon. Martins Amaewhule as the APC candidate for the constituency in the forthcoming 2027 general elections.
The association further emphasised that its member’s name remained Jordan Wike, Esq., describing the reported reference to him as “Jordan Wicked” as disrespectful.
ABRLA Warns Against Media Trial
The association expressed concern that presenting unproven allegations of criminal conduct as established facts could mislead the public, influence perceptions of individuals connected with pending cases and undermine confidence in the legal profession and the administration of justice.
While acknowledging that freedom of expression is constitutionally protected, ABRLA argued that the right does not provide an unrestricted licence to publish defamatory statements or portray allegations of criminal wrongdoing as established facts without an adequate evidential basis.
It noted that the law provides remedies for individuals whose reputations are unlawfully injured by publications.
Four Demands Issued
Consequently, ABRLA made four demands, urging VeryDarkMan to respect the judicial process and desist from what it described as the continued media trial of its member.
First, it called on him to allow the court process to run its course without subjecting Wike to further public condemnation over the pending matter.
Second, the association demanded the immediate withdrawal and removal of the video and all related publications containing the alleged defamatory statements from Facebook, YouTube, Instagram and other platforms.
Third, it asked VeryDarkMan to cease and desist from publishing or republishing the same or substantially similar allegations against Wike.
Fourth, the association demanded an unequivocal and unreserved public apology to Wike within seven days, acknowledging the alleged injury caused by the publication.
ABRLA warned that failure to comply with its demands, or any further publication of allegations it considers defamatory, would compel it to take appropriate steps to protect its member’s rights under the law.
The statement was signed on behalf of the association by C. Njoku, Esq., and P. L. Osakwe, Esq.
FirmNews reports that the association’s statement represents its position on the allegations, which it says are disputed by its member.
