In a dramatic twist to a fast-growing online controversy, an Ikeja High Court in Lagos has ordered online content creator, Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, to stop posting defamatory comments or videos about renowned lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) and his son, popular rapper and actor Folarin Falana, also known as Falz.
The court ruling came after a video posted by VeryDarkMan went viral on social media. The video accused both Femi and Falz of interfering in a high-profile money laundering case involving Nigerian cross-dresser Idris Okuneye, better known as Bobrisky. The court described the video as defamatory and ordered the content creator to take it down immediately.
The judge, Justice Mahmud Dawodu, ruled that the video posted on September 24 must be removed from all social media platforms, pending further legal procedures. The court also allowed Femi Falana’s legal team, led by Deji Adeyanju, to serve court documents to the defendant, VeryDarkMan, through his lawyer.
This case has drawn widespread attention, as both Femi and Folarin Falana are highly respected figures in Nigeria. Femi Falana is a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and a prominent human rights lawyer, while his son, Falz, is a well-known musician and actor with a large fan base. The allegations of involvement in a bribery scandal have shocked many Nigerians.
The controversy began on September 23 when VeryDarkMan, known for his bold social media presence, posted a video in which he played what he claimed was a leaked audio recording. The recording allegedly featured Bobrisky discussing how he paid N15 million (approximately $9,000) as a bribe to avoid prosecution by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). According to the video, Bobrisky supposedly mentioned that Femi and Falz played a role in helping him escape justice.
In the video, VeryDarkMan expressed outrage, stating, “I will be disappointed if truly FALZ and his father are involved in this whole Bobrisky issue… Falz the Bahd Guy contacted Bobrisky, and his father, Femi Falana, spoke to Bobrisky in order to divert justice.”
However, neither the court nor other credible sources could verify the authenticity of the audio recording, and Bobrisky himself has strongly denied any involvement in the audio, stating that it was not his voice.
The court’s decision to order the removal of the video comes amid growing concerns about the spread of misinformation and defamation on social media. Femi Falana, who brought the case to court, is not only known for his work as a Senior Advocate of Nigeria but also as a former National President of the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights and the West African Bar Association. He is one of the most respected figures in Nigeria’s legal circles.
Folarin Falana, on the other hand, is a celebrated Nigerian artist with multiple awards, including Best Rap Single at the 2015 Headies Awards and three MTV Africa Music Awards in 2016. Falz has a reputation for using his music and platform to speak out on social issues, and the allegations have come as a surprise to many of his fans.
The ruling also highlighted the dangers of online defamation, especially when it involves influential personalities. The court noted that VeryDarkMan, who describes himself as an “Online Police,” has no formal legal or investigative authority and no verifiable physical address. Despite this, he has a large following, particularly among Nigerian youth, who often see him as a voice for justice.
The court’s statement emphasized, “The Defendant is not an activist or a recognized law enforcement agent on his Instagram page.”
This case raises important questions about the role of social media in spreading unverified information and defaming public figures. Lawyer Jiti Ogunye, speaking on the matter, pointed out that social media platforms have become breeding grounds for misinformation, often resulting in reputational damage for those involved. He stressed that while social media gives everyone a voice, it also comes with responsibilities.
“VeryDarkMan is not a debt recovery agency or law enforcement,” Ogunye said. “Who gave him the authority to use a supposed telephone conversation to blackmail people or demand money?”
Ogunye further explained that if a person owes money or is involved in a legal dispute, the proper course of action is to hire a lawyer or go through the courts, not to resort to public defamation.
“Social media should not be used as a tool for scandalizing people without proof,” Ogunye added. “It is an offense to invade someone’s privacy, whether through their telephone conversations, letters, or videos, and post it online under false pretenses to call it corruption.”
As the case continues to unfold, there is growing speculation about how the legal proceedings will play out. VeryDarkMan has not publicly responded to the court’s order, but his online presence remains strong, with many of his followers expressing support for him. Meanwhile, Femi and Folarin Falana have remained largely silent, choosing to address the matter through legal channels.
The involvement of government agencies like the EFCC and the Nigerian Correctional Service has further complicated the situation. Following the viral video, the Nigerian Correctional Service suspended two of its senior officers amid allegations of corruption. The House of Representatives also launched a probe into the bribery allegations, adding another layer of complexity to the case.
