On May 20, 2025, the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja imposed a ₦200,000 fine on social media influencer Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), and dismissed his preliminary objection in a ₦1 billion defamation lawsuit filed by renowned human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) and his son, rapper and activist Folarin Falana, also known as Falz.
Justice Fimisola Azeez ruled against VDM’s challenge to the court’s jurisdiction, ordering him to pay ₦100,000 each to both claimants. The court also directed VDM to file his defense against the defamation claims without delay .
The lawsuit arises from a video posted by VDM on Instagram on September 24, 2024, which allegedly contained defamatory remarks based on an audio recording by controversial cross-dresser Bobrisky. The recording accused Femi Falana and Falz of obstructing justice.
The Falana family is seeking ₦500 million each in damages, a court declaration affirming that VDM’s post was libelous and harmful to their reputation, and a perpetual injunction preventing him from publishing similar content in the future. They are also demanding a public apology to be published on VDM’s social media platforms as well as in a national newspaper .
During the court proceedings, Falz was present, while his father, Femi Falana, was represented by his legal team. VDM was absent but represented by his counsel, Marvin Omorogbe.
The case has been adjourned to July 8, 2025, for further mention.
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