Controversial social media personality Martins Otse, famously known as VeryDarkMan, is turning to the Lagos State High Court to contest a defamation ruling in favour of prominent human rights lawyer Femi Falana and his son, musician Folarin Falana (aka Falz). This heated legal saga, marked by accusations and high-profile names, has captivated online followers and stirred debates about free speech versus defamation.
On October 14, 2024, Justice M.O. Dawodu ruled against VeryDarkMan, ordering him to retract alleged defamatory statements about Falana and Falz. The lawsuit stemmed from comments VeryDarkMan made about the Falanas’ supposed involvement in securing a presidential pardon for Bobrisky, a well-known cross-dresser, following his detention over a naira abuse incident.
According to Falana’s team, Bobrisky allegedly sought VIP treatment during his time in custody, requesting legal and financial aid from Falz amounting to ₦3 million. VeryDarkMan’s statements, which hinted at dubious dealings, were deemed defamatory by the court.
Justice Dawodu’s ruling wasn’t taken lightly by VeryDarkMan, who now claims that the court’s order was based solely on Falana’s affidavit, without a full examination of the case’s merits. In his appeal motion dated October 18, 2024, he argues that refusing his right to appeal would result in a grave “miscarriage of justice.” His motion insists that the court’s discretion to allow appeals must be “judicially and judiciously” exercised, especially given the significant legal questions involved.
VeryDarkMan’s legal representative, Oladimeji Joseph, reinforced the argument, highlighting the court’s prior findings that questioned VeryDarkMan’s ability to pay damages if the final verdict swings against him. Joseph pointed out that without a court’s permission to appeal, the decision may stand, potentially impacting the justice system’s credibility and the rights of those entangled in the case.
The court order also bars VeryDarkMan from posting any more statements about the Falanas on social media, while he awaits the outcome of his appeal request. Yet, despite the court’s directive, VeryDarkMan, in a determined move, filed two motions on notice, seeking an extension to appeal and challenge the judgment against him.
As the court weighs whether to grant VeryDarkMan his appeal, the case raises a bigger question: when does social media criticism cross the line into legally punishable defamation? And for VeryDarkMan, it’s a fight to keep that line from silencing his criticism, however controversial.
