A Lagos High Court sitting in Ikeja has dismissed preliminary objections filed by social media influencer Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), in a ₦1 billion defamation suit brought against him by human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) and his son, rapper and activist Folarin Falana (Falz).
Justice Fimisola Azeez ruled that VDM’s objections lacked merit and subsequently fined him ₦200,000—₦100,000 each to Femi and Folarin Falana. The court also directed the influencer to immediately file his defence in both suits.
The Falanas are seeking ₦500 million each in damages, alleging that a video posted by VDM on September 24, 2024, via Instagram (@verydarkblackman), contained defamatory and damaging remarks against them. They further asked the court to declare the statements defamatory, issue a perpetual injunction barring similar future posts, and compel VDM to issue a public apology across his platforms and in a national daily.
VDM, represented by his counsel Marvin Omorogbe, argued that the court lacked jurisdiction, claiming the alleged offence occurred outside Lagos State. However, the Falanas’ legal team, led by Ernest Olawanle and Femi Akinyemi, countered with affidavits and written arguments urging the court to dismiss the objection.
Justice Azeez agreed with the claimants and instructed VDM to respond to the substantive defamation claims. The case was adjourned to July 8 for mention and for the defendant’s statement of defence to be filed.
This ruling follows an earlier related decision by Justice Mathias Dawodu, who on April 15, 2025, struck out a pre-emptive suit previously filed by the Falanas, declaring the matter “academic” in light of the active defamation case before Justice Azeez.
What you should know
VDM must now formally defend himself in a high-profile defamation lawsuit that could cost him ₦1 billion in damages. The Falanas are pursuing strong legal remedies, including public apologies and court injunctions, following what they allege were libellous statements made in a viral Instagram video.
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