Justice F. Afeez of the Lagos High Court has dismissed a preliminary objection filed by social media critic Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), in a N1 billion defamation case brought against him by prominent lawyer and human rights activist Femi Falana, SAN, and his son, musician Folarin Falana (popularly known as Falz).
According to a report by Vanguard, the ruling was delivered on Tuesday, May 20. Justice Azeez found VDM’s application to be without merit and awarded costs of N200,000 against him — N100,000 each to Femi and Folarin Falana.
The court also directed VDM to promptly file his statement of defence in the case.
The lawsuit stems from a video posted by VDM on his Instagram page (@verydarkblackman) on September 24, 2024. The Falanas allege the content of the video was defamatory and damaging to their reputations. They are seeking N500 million in damages each, totaling N1 billion.
At the hearing, Femi Falana was represented by his legal team, Ernest Olawanle and Femi Akinyemi, while Folarin Falana appeared in person. VDM was absent but represented by his lawyer, Marvin Omorogbe.
The Falanas claim the video contained libelous and scandalous statements and are asking the court to declare the publication defamatory. They are also seeking a perpetual injunction to bar VDM, his agents, or any affiliates from making or circulating similar content in the future.