Court Dismisses VeryDarkMan’s Objection in N1bn Falana Defamation Lawsuit, Orders N200K Costs

Court Dismisses VeryDarkMan’s Objection in N1bn Falana Defamation Lawsuit, Orders N200K Costs

A Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja has rejected preliminary objections filed by controversial social media figure Martins Vincent Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), in the N1 billion defamation suit brought against him by human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) and his son, the rapper and activist Folarin Falana, popularly known as Falz.

In a ruling delivered by Justice F.A. Azeez, the court dismissed VDM’s bid to strike out the case on jurisdictional grounds and instead ordered him to pay a total of N200,000 in costs—N100,000 each to both claimants.

The judge also directed VDM to file his defence without further delay.

The case stems from a video VDM posted on his Instagram account on September 24, 2024, where the Falana duo claim he made defamatory remarks against them. They are demanding N500 million each in damages, a public apology, and a perpetual injunction preventing him from publishing similar content in the future.

During Tuesday’s hearing, Femi Falana was represented in court by his legal team, Ernest Olawanle and Femi Akinyemi, while Falz appeared in person. VDM, though absent, was represented by his lawyer, Marvin Omorogbe.

VDM’s legal team had argued that the Lagos court lacked the jurisdiction to hear the case, claiming the offence took place outside the state. However, the court sided with the Claimants, who countered the argument with a written address and affidavit.

Justice Azeez ruled in their favour and adjourned proceedings to give VDM time to file his defence.

Read also: Mercy Chinwo sue VDM for defamation, demand N1b damage

This development follows an earlier decision by Justice Mathias Dawodu of another Lagos High Court, who struck out a related pre-emptive application filed by VDM. That case, initially granted on October 14, 2024, was declared “spent,” as it had been overtaken by the substantive suit before Justice Azeez.

The Falanas are seeking a declaration from the court that VDM’s statements are libelous, as well as an order restraining him from future defamatory publications and compelling him to issue a public apology across all social media platforms and a national newspaper.

The court has adjourned the matter to July 18, 2025.