Lagos High Court Fines VeryDarkMan ₦200,000, Orders Him to Respond to Defamation Suit by Femi and Falz Falana
A Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja has imposed a ₦200,000 fine on social media personality Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), after dismissing his preliminary objections in a ₦1 billion defamation lawsuit filed by prominent human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) and his son, musician and activist Folarin Falana, widely known as Falz.
Justice Fimisola Azeez ruled that VDM’s objections were without merit, and accordingly awarded ₦100,000 each in favour of the two claimants. The court further directed VDM to submit his defence to the allegations without delay.
The legal action stems from a video VDM shared on his Instagram account (@verydarkblackman) on September 24, 2024, which the Falanas claim defamed them and damaged their reputation. They are each seeking ₦500 million in damages, amounting to a combined ₦1 billion claim.
During the proceedings, Femi Falana was represented by legal practitioners Ernest Olawanle and Femi Akinyemi. Falz was physically present in court, while VDM, though absent, was represented by his lawyer Marvin Omorogbe.
In their submissions, the Falanas accused VDM of making defamatory and scandalous remarks in the video and requested the court to not only declare the content libellous but also to grant a perpetual injunction preventing VDM and his associates from repeating such statements. They are also seeking a public apology to be published across VDM’s social media platforms and in a national daily.
VDM had filed a preliminary objection arguing that the Lagos High Court lacked jurisdiction on the grounds that the alleged defamatory act took place outside Lagos. However, the Falanas countered the objection with supporting affidavits and legal arguments, urging the court to reject it.
Justice Azeez upheld their position, dismissed VDM’s application, and instructed him to file a formal defence to the defamation claims. The matter was adjourned to July 8 for mention.
This case follows a related ruling by Justice Mathias Dawodu of another Lagos State High Court, who on April 15, 2025, struck out a separate pre-emptive suit initiated by the Falanas. That earlier action was declared academic in light of the ongoing defamation proceedings before Justice Azeez.
Justice Dawodu emphasized that continuing with the pre-emptive suit would be a waste of judicial resources, especially since the substantive case was already validly before another judge. He dismissed VDM’s argument about a multiplicity of suits and a requested stay of proceedings, stating that the initial case had lapsed.
As the legal dispute proceeds, all eyes will be on the July 8 hearing, where VDM is expected to present his defence to the defamation allegations.
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