VeryDarkMan, a popular social media influencer, has announced his intention to appeal a ruling in the defamation lawsuit brought against him by lawyer Femi Falana and his son, rapper Falz. The case revolves around allegations of defamation made by Falana and Falz, stemming from comments made by VeryDarkMan regarding their activities and public statements.
Following the court’s decision, VeryDarkMan expressed his disappointment and stated his resolve to challenge the ruling, emphasizing his belief in the merits of his defense. The case has garnered significant attention on social media, with supporters rallying behind VeryDarkMan as he prepares for the appeal process. Further developments are anticipated as he seeks to overturn the court’s ruling.
Controversial social media critic Martins Otse, widely known as VeryDarkMan, has filed an application with the Lagos State High Court seeking permission to appeal a ruling made on October 14, 2024, by Justice M.O. Dawodu. This ruling favored human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) and his son, rapper Folarin Falana, popularly known as Falz, in an alleged defamation case against VeryDarkMan.
The lawsuit stemmed from statements VeryDarkMan made during a recorded conversation with popular cross-dresser Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky. In this conversation, VeryDarkMan alleged that Falz was involved in efforts to secure a presidential pardon for Bobrisky, who has encountered legal issues. Falana and Falz sought a retraction of these statements, claiming they were defamatory.
In a letter dated September 26, 2024, from Falana’s legal team and posted on Falz’s Instagram page, VeryDarkMan was addressed directly regarding the allegations. According to court documents, Bobrisky reportedly solicited legal advice and financial assistance from Falz, including a request for N3 million intended for bribing correctional centre officials to ensure favorable treatment during his detention.
VeryDarkMan’s appeal aims to contest the ruling and clarify his stance on the matter, which has stirred significant attention on social media platforms. Further developments are expected as the case progresses through the legal system.
In the ruling on October 14, 2024, Justice M.O. Dawodu mandated that VeryDarkMan, along with his agents and associates, remove defamatory content regarding the Falana family from all his social media platforms. This content was originally published on September 24, 2024, and the court also prohibited him from further releasing, publishing, or circulating any similar defamatory material about the Falanas.
Following this ruling, VeryDarkMan has filed two separate motions marked ID/8584/GCM/2024 (involving Falz) and ID/8586/GCM/2024 (with Femi Falana as the sole respondent). These motions, dated October 18, seek an order to extend the timeframe for him to seek leave to appeal the court’s decision.
In his motion, VeryDarkMan argues that the court’s order was based solely on the respondents’ affidavit. He emphasizes that since this is an interlocutory order, he requires the court’s permission to exercise his constitutional right to appeal. He contends that the court should exercise its discretion judiciously in granting or refusing leave to appeal, asserting that a refusal could lead to a miscarriage of justice given the case’s significant legal questions.
VeryDarkMan asserts that denying him the opportunity to appeal may enforce a decision that misapplies the law, potentially harming not only the parties involved but also the broader administration of justice. He highlights the importance of the appellate court in clarifying and correcting trial court decisions to maintain judicial integrity.
Additionally, legal practitioner Oladimeji Joseph submitted an affidavit affirming his knowledge of the court’s findings regarding VeryDarkMan’s inability to compensate the claimants if the judgment is against him. He reiterates that leave must be obtained from the court before the defendant can appeal and urges the court to grant the requested extension for the appeal process.
