“Using ‘Allegedly’ Won’t Save You from Lawsuit – Stan Alieke Warns Nigerians, VDM Reacts

• Alieke cautioned that the use of the word “allegedly” does not guarantee immunity from lawsuits if someone is defamed.

Stan Alieke, a well-known Nigerian lawyer who gained fame for representing artist Speed Darlington in his legal clash with Burna Boy, has spoken out about the reckless use of the word “allegedly” on social media.

In a recent post on his Instagram story, Alieke emphasized that simply adding the word “allegedly” to a defamatory statement does not shield individuals from legal action. He warned that many Nigerians wrongly believe that using the term provides legal protection, even when spreading unverified or damaging claims about others.

He explained that defamatory content—whether labeled as “alleged” or not—can still lead to lawsuits if it harms someone’s reputation without credible evidence.

Alieke expressed concern over how the term is being misused in public discourse, particularly when people have no proof to support their statements. He urged users to be more cautious and responsible with their words online to avoid legal consequences.

He wrote…

“Allegedly should be the most abused word in Nigeria now. It means in law, according to someone’s allegation albeit no proof” or “a source that cannot be named said,” But y’all should know that this not a one stop immunity or shield to a defamation suit. You cannot intentionally defame or knowingly tell a falsehood against a person and think that a sprinkle of the world allegedly will save you from a lawsuit if the defamed person decides to take action.”

Reacting to the post…

@verydarkblackman said: “Allegedly @officialefcc sef na dey tiff.”

@deyemitheactor said: “Nooooo na! You for no tell them… ALLEGEDLY! #casedonyapa #allegedlykeeyoudia.”

@nigerianwomencommunityuk reacted: “What if we use it in capital letters? Like ALLEGEDLY??”

@_bobo101 said: “So “allegedly” no be our bulletproof again.”

@callmestrategy said: “Baby lawyer, I will tell the court that it was my grandpa that told me and he’s now late.. Make dem go call odumeje to raise am up from d@ath.”

@obrigadosingsong said: “When it comes to the hardship in Nigeria, we are not alleging it, we know our problem and we need the current president to step down!!”