Falana, Falz Defamation Case Against VeryDarkMan Adjourned to February 19
Kehinde Fajobi
The Lagos High Court in Ikeja has adjourned to 19 February the ₦1 billion defamation lawsuit filed by human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), and his son, rapper Folarin Falana, popularly known as Falz, against Martins Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan (VDM).
Justice Matthias Dawodu fixed the date on Thursday to hear a preliminary objection filed by VDM’s counsel, Marvin Omorogbe, challenging the competence of the suit and the court’s jurisdiction.
At the hearing, Omorogbe informed the court that he had received a counter-affidavit from the plaintiffs and needed time to respond.
The Falanas’ lawyer, Omotade Omotunbosun, did not oppose the request, prompting the judge to adjourn the case.
The Falanas had sued VDM, demanding ₦500 million each over a video posted on social media alleging that they collected ₦10 million from Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky, to manipulate justice.
Earlier, on 14 October 2024, Justice Dawodu had ordered VDM to remove the allegedly defamatory video and restrained him from publishing similar content pending the suit’s resolution.
The judge also directed that court documents be served on VDM through his lawyer, Deji Adeyanju.
VDM, through his lawyer, argued that the court lacks territorial jurisdiction, claiming the publication occurred in Abuja, where the defendant resides and conducts business.
Omorogbe accused the Falanas of forum shopping to secure a favourable ruling.
The Falanas contended that the allegations in the video were baseless and intended to harm their reputation.
They argued that VDM misrepresented an audio recording involving Bobrisky, recklessly claiming Femi Falana collected ₦10 million for a supposed presidential pardon.
In their suit, the Falanas are seeking:
A declaration that VDM’s 24 September 2024 publication is defamatory.
₦500 million in damages each for character defamation.
A perpetual injunction preventing VDM from publishing further defamatory content.
A public apology on VDM’s social media platforms and a national newspaper.
The case continues on 19 February.