In a significant development in the Nigerian legal and social media landscape, the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja has imposed a ₦200,000 fine on social media influencer Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), in a high-profile defamation lawsuit filed by renowned human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) and his son, Folarin Falana, better known as Falz. This case, which has sparked widespread discussion across Nigeria’s vibrant online community, highlights the delicate balance between freedom of expression and the legal consequences of defamatory content in the digital age. In this detailed blog post, we’ll unpack the origins of the lawsuit, the court’s ruling, the implications for all parties involved, and what this case means for social media influencers in Nigeria.
The defamation suit centers on a video posted by VeryDarkMan on his Instagram account on September 24, 2024. The video, which quickly gained traction, contained allegations that the Falanas claim were defamatory. According to court documents, the content in question was based on an audio recording purportedly involving Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, a controversial Nigerian cross-dresser and social media personality. In the audio, Bobrisky allegedly claimed that Femi Falana and Falz were involved in efforts to pervert the course of justice, specifically in relation to a case involving Bobrisky’s imprisonment.
Femi Falana, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) with a storied career spanning decades, is widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s foremost human rights lawyers. His son, Falz, is a celebrated musician, actor, and activist known for his socially conscious music and advocacy for good governance. The allegations made by VeryDarkMan were seen as particularly damaging because they targeted the professional integrity of Femi Falana, whose reputation is built on defending justice, and Falz, who has carved out a public persona as a principled artist and advocate.
The Falanas responded swiftly, filing a ₦1 billion defamation suit against VeryDarkMan, asserting that the claims in the video were baseless, malicious, and designed to tarnish their reputations. The lawsuit, filed at the Lagos State High Court, sought not only monetary damages but also an injunction to prevent further defamatory statements and a public apology from VDM.
On the day of the hearing, presided over by Justice Fimisola Azeez, VeryDarkMan’s legal team raised preliminary objections, challenging the jurisdiction of the Lagos State High Court to hear the case. VDM’s counsel argued that the alleged defamatory content was published on Instagram, a platform accessible globally, and that the act of defamation did not specifically occur within Lagos State. This jurisdictional challenge was a strategic move to have the case dismissed or transferred, potentially delaying or derailing the proceedings.
However, Justice Azeez dismissed the objections, ruling that they lacked merit. The court affirmed its jurisdiction, noting that the Falanas, as plaintiffs, are based in Lagos, and the impact of the defamatory content was felt within the state, thereby establishing a sufficient connection to Lagos. The dismissal of the preliminary objections came with a cost: the court ordered VeryDarkMan to pay ₦100,000 to each plaintiff—Femi Falana and Falz—totaling ₦200,000 in fines. This financial penalty was imposed as a consequence of filing what the court deemed frivolous objections.
Justice Azeez further directed VeryDarkMan to file his defense promptly, signaling that the case would proceed to a substantive hearing. The matter was adjourned to July 8, 2025, for further proceedings, setting the stage for what promises to be a closely watched legal battle.
The Key Players
To fully understand the significance of this case, it’s worth examining the key figures involved:
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Martins Otse (VeryDarkMan): A polarizing figure in Nigeria’s social media space, VDM has built a massive following by positioning himself as a social critic and whistleblower. His content often focuses on calling out perceived wrongs in society, from celebrity scandals to political corruption. However, his approach—characterized by bold, unfiltered commentary—has frequently landed him in legal trouble. This defamation suit is not VDM’s first brush with controversy, as he has faced backlash for previous posts targeting public figures.
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Femi Falana (SAN): A legal luminary, Femi Falana has been a champion of human rights in Nigeria for over four decades. His work includes defending political prisoners, advocating for press freedom, and challenging government overreach. The allegations against him strike at the core of his professional ethos, making this lawsuit a defense of his legacy as much as his reputation.
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Folarin Falana (Falz): A multi-talented artist, Falz has used his platform to address issues like police brutality, corruption, and social inequality. His inclusion in the lawsuit underscores the personal and professional toll that defamatory content can have, especially when it targets public figures with significant influence.
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Idris Okuneye (Bobrisky): While not a direct party to the lawsuit, Bobrisky’s alleged audio recording is central to the case. Bobrisky, a self-styled “transgender celebrity,” is no stranger to controversy, having faced legal issues related to his lifestyle and business dealings. The audio in question reportedly contains claims that the Falanas were involved in efforts to secure a presidential pardon or leniency in Bobrisky’s case, though the authenticity and context of the recording remain contentious.
Legal and Social Implications
This case raises several critical issues that resonate beyond the courtroom:
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Freedom of Speech vs. Defamation: Nigeria’s Constitution guarantees freedom of expression, but this right is not absolute. Defamation laws exist to protect individuals from false and damaging statements. The Falana-VDM case underscores the fine line between free speech and reckless commentary, particularly in the age of social media, where content can spread rapidly and cause irreparable harm.
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The Power of Social Media: VeryDarkMan’s massive online following illustrates the growing influence of social media influencers in shaping public opinion. However, this case serves as a reminder that influence comes with responsibility. Content creators must navigate the legal risks of their statements, especially when targeting prominent figures.
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Jurisdictional Challenges in the Digital Age: VDM’s attempt to challenge the court’s jurisdiction highlights the complexities of applying traditional legal frameworks to online content. With platforms like Instagram accessible worldwide, determining where a defamatory act “occurs” is a legal gray area that courts are increasingly tasked with resolving.
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Reputation and Public Perception: For the Falanas, this lawsuit is about more than financial compensation—it’s about protecting their hard-earned reputations. For VDM, the case could impact his credibility as a social critic, depending on how the public and his followers perceive the outcome.
With the case adjourned to July 8, 2025, all eyes will be on VeryDarkMan’s defense strategy. Will he double down on the allegations, claiming they are based on verifiable evidence? Or will he seek to settle the matter out of court to avoid further legal and financial repercussions? The Falanas, for their part, appear determined to see the case through, signaling their intent to hold VDM accountable for what they describe as baseless and malicious claims.
The court’s directive for VDM to file his defense promptly suggests that the substantive issues—whether the statements were defamatory, whether they caused harm, and whether VDM can substantiate his claims—will take center stage in the coming months. Additionally, the role of the alleged Bobrisky audio will likely be a focal point, as its authenticity and relevance could make or break VDM’s defense.
This case is part of a broader trend in Nigeria, where social media influencers are increasingly facing legal scrutiny for their content. In recent years, figures like Bobrisky, Tunde Ednut, and others have been embroiled in controversies over online statements, ranging from defamation to cyberbullying. The rise of “call-out culture” has empowered individuals to expose wrongdoing but has also led to accusations of overreach and sensationalism.
For ordinary Nigerians, the Falana-VDM case is a reminder of the power—and peril—of social media. While platforms like Instagram and X provide a voice for the marginalized, they also amplify the potential for harm when used irresponsibly. As the legal system grapples with these challenges, cases like this one will likely set precedents for how defamation is handled in the digital era.
The ₦200,000 fine imposed on VeryDarkMan is just the beginning of what promises to be a landmark defamation case in Nigeria. As the Falanas seek to clear their names and hold VDM accountable, the outcome of this lawsuit could have far-reaching implications for social media influencers, public figures, and the legal framework governing online content. For now, the stage is set for a legal showdown that will test the boundaries of free speech, the responsibilities of influencers, and the enduring value of reputation in a hyper-connected world.
Stay tuned for updates as this case unfolds, and let us know your thoughts in the comments below. Should influencers like VeryDarkMan be held to stricter standards? Or is this lawsuit an attempt to silence a vocal critic? The debate is only just beginning.
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