The Lagos High Court in Ikeja has adjourned the defamation suit filed by human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) and his son, Folarin Falana, popularly known as Falz, against Martins Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), to February 19, 2025.
Justice Matthias Dawodu postponed the case during Thursday’s proceedings to allow for the hearing of a preliminary objection raised by VDM’s lawyer, Marvin Omorogbe, which challenges the competence of the suit and the court’s jurisdiction.
Although both the Falanas and VeryDarkMan were absent from the hearing, their legal representatives were present. Omorogbe informed the court that he had received the plaintiffs’ counter affidavit opposing his preliminary objection and requested additional time to respond. The Falanas’ counsel, Omotade Omotunbosun, did not object to the adjournment request, prompting Justice Dawodu to reschedule the case.
Background
The Falanas filed the suit against VeryDarkMan, demanding ₦500 million each in damages for alleged defamation. The case stems from a video posted by VDM on his social media platforms accusing the Falanas of collecting ₦10 million from Idris Okuneye (Bobrisky) to pervert justice.
On October 14, 2024, Justice Dawodu ordered VeryDarkMan to take down the video and refrain from posting or sharing any further defamatory content about the Falanas. The court also mandated that all case documents be served on VeryDarkMan through his lawyer, Deji Adeyanju.
VDM’s Preliminary Objection
VDM, through his lawyer, argued that the Lagos High Court lacks jurisdiction to hear the case, citing that he resides and conducts business in Abuja, where the alleged defamatory statements were also made. Omorogbe further accused the plaintiffs of forum shopping to secure a favorable outcome.
The Falanas’ Claims
The Falanas allege that the statements made by VDM were false, unverified, and aimed at damaging their reputation. They claim the defamatory publication remains on VDM’s social media accounts, causing ongoing harm to their image.
The plaintiffs are seeking:
A declaration that VDM’s September 24, 2024, Instagram video was defamatory.
₦500 million in damages for defamation.
A perpetual injunction restraining VDM from further defamatory publications.
A public apology to be published on all of VDM’s social media accounts and in a national daily newspaper.
The case will resume on February 19, 2025, for further proceedings.
