Court strikes out VeryDarkMan’s objection in ₦1bn defamation case by Falana and Falz
The Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja has thrown out a preliminary objection raised by social media influencer Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, in a defamation case filed by respected human rights lawyer Femi Falana and his son, famous rapper Falz. The case involves a ₦1 billion claim for defamation.
Justice Mathias Dawodu, who presided over the case, ruled that the objection could not go forward because the main case was already being handled in a different court. He explained that continuing with the hearing in his own court would be unnecessary.
Neither Femi and Falz Falana nor VeryDarkMan appeared at the hearing, which took place on Tuesday. However, lawyers from both sides were present. Representing the defence was N.O. Alagbe, who appeared on behalf of the lead counsel, Marvin Omorogbe. She informed the judge about a new application dated April 11 and filed on April 14, asking the court to pause proceedings until another judge, Justice Azeez, delivers a ruling on a related case already in progress.
Justice Dawodu pointed out that this new application had not yet reached his desk. He also questioned why the defence was still trying to continue the matter in his court when the same issue was active in another courtroom.
The lawyer for the Falanas, Omotayo Olatunbosun, said he received the defence’s application late on Monday at around 4:15 p.m. He told the court that the preliminary objection was ready for hearing and accused the defence of trying to delay the case. He also reminded the court that the Supreme Court has ruled that judges are not required to act on documents that are not officially submitted.
After reviewing both sides, Justice Dawodu ruled that the objection should be struck out. He explained that the absence of the new application in his court’s records and the fact that the matter is being handled elsewhere were enough reasons to stop the proceedings.
“In view of the circumstances and the fact that the matter is already before another court, this suit is hereby struck out,” the judge ruled.
The defamation case started after VeryDarkMan reportedly posted a video online. In the video, he accused Femi Falana of demanding a ₦10 million bribe from Bobrisky—real name Idris Okuneye—to help him avoid legal trouble. The Falanas responded by filing a defamation lawsuit and are now demanding ₦500 million each in damages from the influencer.
The case has gained attention on social media, especially after a previous court also issued an arrest warrant against VeryDarkMan in connection with the same issue.
