A Lagos High Court in Ikeja has dismissed preliminary objections filed by Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), in a ₦1 billion defamation suit brought by Femi Falana (SAN) and his son, rapper Folarin Falana (Falz). Justice Fimisola Azeez ruled that the objections lacked merit and ordered VDM to pay ₦100,000 each to the claimants as costs.
The case stems from a video posted on VDM’s Instagram page on September 24, 2024, which the Falana family claims was defamatory and injurious to their reputation.
They are seeking ₦500 million each, a public apology on social media and national newspapers, and an injunction against future defamatory publications.
VDM had argued that the Lagos court lacked jurisdiction because the alleged offense occurred outside its territory.
However, the court upheld the Falanas’ counter-affidavit and directed VDM to file his defense to the substantive claims.
VDM was not present at the hearing but was represented by his lawyer, Marvin Omorogbe. Femi Falana appeared through his legal team, while Falz was present in person.
This comes after an earlier suit before Justice Mathias Dawodu, which was struck out for being academic due to the pending main suit now being heard by Justice Azeez.
The court adjourned the matter to July 8 for mention and for VDM to submit his statement of defense.
