Court Throws Out VeryDarkMan’s Objection in N1bn Defamation Suit by Falana and Falz
Justice F. Afeez of the Lagos High Court has dismissed the preliminary objection filed by social media critic Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), in the N1 billion defamation lawsuit brought against him by human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) and his son, rapper and activist Folarin Falana, also known as Falz.
According to Vanguard, while ruling on the objection on Tuesday, May 20, Justice Afeez held that VDM’s application lacked merit. The court awarded costs of N200,000 against VDM—N100,000 each to Femi and Folarin Falana—and ordered the defendant to file his defence without delay.
The case centres around a video posted by VDM on Instagram (@verydarkblackman) on September 24, 2024, which the Falanas claim contained defamatory content that damaged their reputation. Each of them is seeking N500 million in damages, totalling N1 billion.
Femi Falana was represented in court by his lawyers Ernest Olawanle and Femi Akinyemi, while Falz appeared in person. VDM was absent but represented by his counsel, Marvin Omorogbe.
The claimants allege that the video included libellous and scandalous remarks directed at them. They are asking the court to declare the content defamatory and to issue a perpetual injunction preventing VDM and his affiliates from publishing similar content in the future.
