Social Media Influencer VeryDarkMan Appeals Court Order to Remove Defamatory Content Against Femi Falana, Falz
By Okafor Joseph Afam
October 29, 2024
Social media influencer Martins Otse, known as VeryDarkMan, has appealed a Lagos State High Court ruling by Justice Matthias Dawodu that ordered him to remove defamatory content targeting renowned human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, and his son, the musician Folarin Falana, popularly known as Falz. The ruling, made on October 14, 2024, also prohibited VeryDarkMan from publishing any further defamatory content about the duo until the defamation lawsuit is resolved.
The legal dispute began after VeryDarkMan alleged in a video that Falana and Falz were involved with Idris Okuneye, aka Bobrisky, to obstruct justice. In response, Falana and Falz filed a defamation suit, leading to the court’s injunction.
VeryDarkMan has since filed two motions with the court, seeking an extension of time and permission to appeal the decision. He argued that the ruling was based solely on the affidavit provided by Falana and Falz, making it essential for him to secure the court’s permission to exercise his right to appeal.
In a seven-ground motion dated October 18, VeryDarkMan asserted that denying him the right to appeal would result in a miscarriage of justice, as the case involves complex legal questions requiring further examination. He argued that a refusal could enforce an inaccurate legal interpretation, impacting not only the involved parties but the broader justice system.
In support of the motion, legal practitioner Oladimeji Joseph emphasized the significance of the appeal, pointing out that VeryDarkMan has limited means to compensate the claimants should the judgment go against him. Joseph noted, “Leave from this Honourable Court is necessary before the Defendant can appeal the ruling,” and urged the court to grant this request to uphold the integrity of the judicial process.
