The Lagos High Court in Ikeja has adjourned the defamation suit filed by human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) and his son, Folarin (Falz), against social media influencer Martins Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), to February 19.
Justice Matthias Dawodu fixed the new date after hearing a preliminary objection from VDM’s lawyer, Marvin Omorogbe, challenging the court’s jurisdiction to hear the case and the validity of the suit filed by the Falanas.
Though the parties involved were absent in court, their respective legal representatives were present. Omorogbe informed the court that he had been served with a counter affidavit filed by the Falanas against his objection and requested more time to respond.
The case stems from a video posted by VeryDarkMan, where he accused Femi Falana and his son of accepting ₦10 million from popular figure Bobrisky to pervert the course of justice. The Falanas are seeking ₦500 million each in damages, alleging that the video contained defamatory statements that harmed their reputations.
In response, Justice Dawodu had previously ordered VDM to take down the video on October 14, 2024, and issued a restraining order against further defamatory publications. The Falanas also seek a public apology from VDM, to be published on his social media handles and in a national newspaper.
VDM’s legal team argues that the court does not have jurisdiction over the case, as the defendant resides and operates primarily in Abuja, where the alleged defamatory content was posted. They also contend that the Falanas filed the case in Lagos in an attempt to “forum shop” for a favorable outcome.
The Falanas claim that VDM’s actions, based on unverified statements and malicious intent, caused significant damage to their public image, and they continue to suffer reputational harm as the video remains online.
