Court Fines VeryDarkMan ₦200,000 Over Falana Defamation Suit

A Lagos High Court has ruled against social media influencer Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), in a defamation suit filed by renowned human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) and his son, music artist Folarin Falana (Falz). The court dismissed VDM’s preliminary objections and imposed a fine of ₦200,000—₦100,000 each in favor of the claimants.

The lawsuit stems from a video published by VDM on his Instagram page (@verydarkblackman) on September 24, 2024, which the Falanas claim contained defamatory remarks that damaged their reputation. They are seeking ₦1 billion in damages—₦500 million each—and have requested a public apology across all of VDM’s social media platforms and in a national newspaper.

Justice Fimisola Azeez ruled that VDM’s objections lacked merit and directed him to immediately file his defense in response to the substantive defamation claims. The case has been adjourned to July 8, 2025, for mention.