TikTok Influencer, Sone Dite, popularly known as ‘VeryDarkWoman’ (VDW) on social media, has been released following a two-day detention related to defamation allegations against John Lifongo, a businessman based in Buea. Her arrest on December 7, 2024, by the Buea Gendarmerie Brigade occurred after she ignored multiple summonses.
The matter took a conciliatory turn on December 10, 2024, when legal representatives for both parties negotiated an agreement. Mr. Lifongo explained, “Her lawyers approached me and pleaded I abandon the case and forgive her for the acts she committed. After consulting with my lawyers, we agreed to drop all charges. The State Counsel requested her to tender an official apology on her TikTok page and delete the misleading post.
Although the defamation case has resolved, scrutiny remains on Ms. Dite for allegedly providing false information to the legal department. She will appear before the State Counsel on December 11, 2024, to address this separate charge.
Origins of the Dispute
The conflict began when Ms. Dite posted a TikTok video accusing Mr. Lifongo of mismanaging funds intended to cover medical expenses for a sick child in Buea. According to Mr. Lifongo, the incident started when the child’s grandmother visited his workplace in distress, making urgent calls about her grandson’s health. Struck by her plight, he accompanied the family to the hospital, supported them financially, and launched a social media campaign to raise additional funds. Tragically, the child passed away during surgery at l’Hôpital Général in Douala.
Ms. Dite, who also participated in raising funds for the child, later visited the family to express condolences and thank donors. During her visit, the grandmother accused Mr. Lifongo of misappropriating some of the donated money and appealed for public support to pursue justice. Without verifying the claim, the TikTok influencer shared a video of the grandmother’s allegations on her TikTok account, adding her personal commentary.
Outraged by the accusations, Mr. Lifongo filed a defamation complaint against Ms. Dite. Her failure to respond to two gendarmerie summonses led to the issuance of an arrest warrant. During the investigation, Ms. Dite reportedly misled authorities by falsely claiming she was present at the Buea State Counsel’s office and later at the gendarmerie, prompting a separate legal complaint. She was detained until her release on bail on December 9, 2024.
Social Media Impact
Sone Dite, widely known for her bold commentary and advocacy for men’s rights, enjoys a significant online following. Her TikTok account, @verydarkwoman0, has around 9,994 followers and over 85,500 likes. Her content often tackles societal issues, earning her both praise and criticism from a diverse audience.
This incident has fueled heated debates on social media about the responsibilities and accountability of digital content creators.
