An Ikeja High Court on Tuesday dismissed the preliminary objections raised by Instagram celebrity, Martins Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), in a defamation lawsuit filed against him by human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), and his son, musician Falz.
The court also awarded N200,000 in costs to the claimants, ordering VDM to pay N100,000 each to both Falana and Falz. The defamation suit stems from a video VDM posted on his Instagram account on September 24, 2024, which the claimants claim contained defamatory remarks about them.
The claimants are seeking N500 million each in damages, totalling N1 billion. They accuse VDM of character assassination, seeking not only damages but also an apology to be issued across VDM’s social media platforms and in a national daily.
The suit was triggered by an audio recording in which cross-dresser Bobrisky accused Femi Falana and Falz of perverting justice, and a video posted by VDM, which allegedly spread similar defamatory claims.
VDM had filed objections to the case, arguing that the court lacked jurisdiction because the alleged offence occurred outside Lagos State. However, the court rejected his argument, stating that the claimants had provided enough evidence to proceed with the case.
Justice Fimisola Azeez adjourned the case to July 8, 2025, for further proceedings, and directed VDM to file his defence promptly.
Earlier, the court had dismissed a pre-emptive suit filed by the claimants, ruling that the matter was already under consideration in the ongoing case.
The defamation suit continues as both parties await further hearings.
