A Lagos High Court has dismissed the preliminary objections raised by popular social media critic, Martins Vincent Otse, known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), in a N1 billion defamation lawsuit filed against him by renowned human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), and his son, music star Folarin Falana, popularly known as Falz.
Justice F. Afeez delivered the ruling on Tuesday, May 20, stating that VeryDarkMan’s objection lacked merit. As a result, the judge ordered VDM to pay a total of N200,000 in costs—N100,000 each to Femi Falana and Falz. The court also instructed VeryDarkMan to file his formal defence to the allegations without delay.
The lawsuit stems from a video posted by VeryDarkMan on his Instagram page (@verydarkblackman) on September 24, 2024. The Falanas allege that the video contained defamatory statements that damaged their reputation. Both Femi and Folarin Falana are each seeking N500 million in damages, amounting to a total claim of N1 billion.
During the court session, Femi Falana was represented by his legal team, Ernest Olawanle and Femi Akinyemi, while Falz was present in person. VeryDarkMan did not attend the hearing but was represented by his lawyer, Marvin Omorogbe.
The claimants argue that the remarks made by VeryDarkMan in the video were libellous, scandalous, and intended to tarnish their image. They have asked the court to declare the publication as defamatory and to grant a perpetual injunction preventing VeryDarkMan, his agents, or associates from making or sharing similar statements in the future.
With the preliminary objection now dismissed, the case will proceed, and VeryDarkMan is expected to present his defence in the coming weeks.
