Verydarkman, 

A Lagos High Court sitting in Ikeja has struck out the defamation suit filed by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, and his son, the artist Folarin Falana (popularly known as Falz), against controversial social media personality Martins Otse, also known as Verydarkblackman (VDM).

The case, which centered around a video published by VDM on September 24, 2024, accused the Falanas of allegedly receiving N10 million from Idris Okuneye (also known as Bobrisky) to obstruct justice.

The plaintiffs had filed separate lawsuits, each seeking N500 million in damages over the viral video content.

According to their statements, the father and son argued that the allegations were entirely untrue and unverified, yet VDM published them with the intent to damage their reputation.

They also noted that the said video was still live on the blogger’s platforms, continuing to cause harm.

“In their suits, the father and son submitted that the defendant knew all his comments were unverified and not true, yet he proceeded to publish same to injure their reputation recklessly.”

“They also stated that the alleged defamatory publication is still trending on the defendant’s online handles and pages and as such, the injury to their reputation continues as long as the publication remains online.”

When the matter came up on Tuesday, neither the plaintiffs nor the defendant appeared in court.

However, the defense counsel, Niyi Alagbe, appearing on behalf of Marvin Omorogbe, informed the court that an application for a stay of proceedings had already been filed before Justice Fimisola Azeez.

In response, Omotayo Olatunbosun, counsel for the Falanas, acknowledged receiving the application late Monday afternoon, at about 4:15 p.m.

He argued that the application was a delay tactic and urged the court to proceed with hearing the preliminary objection, which was ready for argument.

But presiding judge, Justice Matthias Dawodu, expressed concern that the application referenced was not found in the court file. He also questioned the relevance of proceeding with the case when the substantive suit was already before another judge.

“Justice Matthias Dawodu said the application in question was not in the file and wondered why he was being troubled with the case when the substantive suit was before another court.”

Consequently, the judge ruled that continuing with the matter would be unnecessary and academic.

“Consequently, this suit is hereby struck out,” he declared.

The Enugu State Police Command has strongly dismissed recent media reports alleging a “reign of terror” and the killing of 25 persons by insurgents in the state, describing the claims as “false, sensational, and mischievous.”

In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, the Command described the allegations as not only misleading but a calculated attempt to cause panic among residents and undermine the ongoing efforts of security agencies in safeguarding lives and property.

“The report in question is entirely baseless,” said SP Ndukwe.

“It contains fabricated names and incidents that have never occurred in our jurisdiction. Such speculative reporting lacks credibility and is detrimental to public peace.”

SP Ndukwe further noted that the Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, while acknowledging the critical role of the media in disseminating information, condemned the spread of unfounded claims.

“While we respect the media’s duty to report news, we strongly condemn the circulation of misinformation that misleads the public and incites unnecessary fear,” CP Giwa stated.

He reassured residents of the state that the police, in collaboration with other security agencies, remain committed to ensuring peace and security across Enugu.

“We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of all citizens in Enugu,” he added.

The Ondo/Ekiti Command of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS) has transferred a surety to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) after two drug trafficking suspects who were granted bail absconded.

The suspects were initially arrested while conveying over 140 sacks of Cannabis sativa — popularly known as Indian hemp — weighing more than 1,400 kilogrammes and valued at N112 million.

According to the command’s Comptroller, Mrs. Morenikeji Bewaji, the seizure was made in Ado-Ekiti.

Following the arrest, the suspects and the illegal drugs were handed over to the NDLEA for further action.

However, Bewaji revealed that the suspects were later granted bail on health grounds but failed to appear as required.

Their surety, identified as Mr. Victor Ayodeji, has now been taken into custody and handed over to the NDLEA for possible prosecution.

Describing the development as a major milestone in the ongoing campaign against drug trafficking, Bewaji warned about the escalating spread of Cannabis sativa and its threat to national security, public health, and the country’s socio-economic fabric.

“In our fight against the threat of illicit drugs in our country, inter-agency collaboration remains a cornerstone for success. The partnership between the NCS and the NDLEA is a shining example of effective synergy,” she said.

She further emphasized that both the NCS and NDLEA are committed to strengthening their cooperation through intelligence sharing and stakeholder engagement, noting that their joint objective remains to secure the nation while ensuring unhindered lawful commerce.

The comptroller also appealed to the public to support the agencies by providing accurate and timely information, adding that addressing drug-related crime requires collective effort.

Representing the NDLEA at the event, the agency’s state commander, Mr. Nanzing Sallah, was represented by the Deputy Commander of Narcotics, Mr. Adaramola Olumuyiwa.

He praised the Customs Service for the successful seizure and reaffirmed the NDLEA’s readiness to continue partnering in the battle against drug cartels and organised crime.

Hon. Ogbodo Inspecting the Ngene-Ukwa Bridge Project, 

The Executive Chairman of Nkanu West Local Government Area in Enugu State, Chief John Ogbodo, has reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to delivering quality infrastructure and completing all ongoing projects that directly impact the lives of the people.

Chief Ogbodo gave the assurance on Tuesday during an inspection tour of the construction site of the Ngene-Ukwa Bridge, a strategic infrastructure linking Achi-Ikpa and Onitcha Agu communities in Ndiagu Akpugo.

Speaking at the site, the council boss noted that the bridge project is one of several people-oriented developments initiated under his administration to open up rural communities, enhance connectivity, and boost economic activities in the area.

“I want to assure our people that this project, like others embarked upon by this administration, will be completed and delivered on schedule. We are fully committed to improving the quality of life in our communities through impactful governance,” Ogbodo stated.

He commended the contractors for the progress made so far and urged them to adhere strictly to the specifications and timeline agreed upon, stressing the importance of quality and durability.

DAILY GAZETTE reports that residents and community leaders present during the inspection expressed appreciation for the council’s efforts, describing the project as a long-awaited intervention that will ease movement and improve access to neighboring villages.

The inspection visit also included stops at other ongoing projects in the council area, including road rehabilitation efforts and the construction of smart schools, part of Governor Mbah broader agenda to promote inclusive development across Nkanu West.

Chief Ogbodo called on residents to continue supporting Governor Peter Mbah led administration with useful feedback and promised more interventions in sectors like education, health, and agriculture.

Governor Caleb Mutfwang of Plateau State has publicly apologised to residents of Bassa Local Government Area over the inability of the government and security agencies to safeguard lives and property.

The apology followed a brutal attack early Monday in the Zikke community, where 51 individuals were killed, houses were destroyed, and scores displaced.

The incident came just two weeks after a similar deadly assault in Bokkos LGA.

On Tuesday, Governor Mutfwang visited the palace of the Paramount Ruler in Miango, where he expressed deep remorse over the tragic events.

“I will tell you the truth: I have been crying since yesterday because I had trusted God that all the arrangements were put in place, that this will not happen again. We have made investments in security,” he said.

“But like all human arrangements, sometimes they fail. I want to admit that on Sunday night into Monday morning, we failed you. Please, forgive me.”

He called on the people to stay vigilant and continue supporting the efforts of security agencies by sharing intelligence and exposing the operations of criminal elements threatening their communities.

Governor Mutfwang, accompanied by security leaders and members of the state executive council, visited Zikke to sympathise with grieving families.

The victims of the attack have since been buried.

During the visit, the Paramount Ruler of Irigwe land, Ronku Aka—also known as the Brangwe of Irigwe—appealed to the government to provide essential social infrastructure to the affected communities.

In addition to his palace visit, the governor met several families directly impacted by the violence, assuring them of the government’s commitment to security and recovery.

The repeated attacks in Plateau State have intensified concerns over longstanding security issues in the region.

While analysts often attribute the conflict to farmer-herder tensions, Governor Mutfwang characterised the killings as deliberate and genocidal.

According to him, more than 64 communities across Plateau have now been overrun by gunmen.

President Bola Tinubu, responding to the recent violence, condemned the attacks and directed security agencies to identify and bring the perpetrators to justice.