A Lagos High Court has dismissed the preliminary objections raised by social media influencer Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), in the N1 billion defamation suit filed against him by human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, and his son, musician Folarin Falana (Falz). Justice F. Azeez ruled that the objection lacked merit and ordered VDM to pay N200,000 in costs—N100,000 each to Femi and Falz Falana. The judge also directed VDM to promptly file his defence in the matter.
The defamation suit stems from a video published on September 24, 2024, on VDM’s Instagram page (@verydarkblackman), which the claimants argue contained libellous and damaging statements that injured their reputations. Both Femi and Falz are seeking N500 million each in damages, totaling N1 billion, along with a court declaration that the statements were defamatory.
Additionally, the Falanas are requesting a perpetual injunction to restrain VDM and his associates from making or circulating similar defamatory content in the future. While Falz was present in court during the hearing, VDM was absent but represented by his lawyer, Marvin Omorogbe. Femi Falana was represented by his legal team, Ernest Olawanle and Femi Akinyemi.
