Court orders VeryDarkMan to pay N500m for defamatory posts against Falana and Falz

A Lagos State High Court on Tuesday, October 15, 2024 has ordered social media critic Mr. Martin Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, to pay N500 million in damages for defaming renowned lawyer Femi Falana and his son, Folarin Falana, also known as Falz.

Justice M. O. Idowu delivered judgment in suit ID/8584/GCM/2024 on Tuesday, stemming from VeryDarkMan’s defamatory remarks and videos published on September 24, 2024, which falsely connected the Falana family to the Nigerian popular cross-dresser, Idris Okuneye known as Bobrisky.

As reported by Diaspora Digital Media (DDM), the court held that the statements were damaging to the good name and public image of both Falana and his son, Falz.

The court found that the social media critic knowingly published false claims with malicious intent to damage the reputations of Falana and his son.

The court has instructed VDM to immediately remove the defamatory content from his social media platforms, as it continues to harm the applicants’ reputation.

Earlier on September 24, 2024, VDM in a social media post allegedly made unfounded claims linking Falana and Falz to Bobrisky, a prominent online figure in Nigeria recognized for his advocacy on gender and LGBTQ+ matters.

The association with Bobrisky is said to have posed a risk to the Falana family’s reputation, taking into account their distinguished profiles in Nigeria.

The Falana family, believing their reputation had been intentionally damaged, initiated defamation proceedings against VDM.

Following a thorough examination of the case, the court rendered a verdict in favor of the Falana family, determining that the allegations were unfounded and maliciously intended to disparage their reputation.

According to DDM,” the case illustrates the profound impact of social media on public perception and the importance of accountability for reckless statements lacking factual basis.”

” It also highlights the Falana family’s resolve to protect their reputation, built over years of public service and contributions to Nigerian society.”

Know more about Femi Falana

Femi Falana is a renowned Nigerian lawyer, human rights activist, social critic and a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).

Early Life and Education

He was born on May 20, 1958, in Ilu Abuja, Ondo State, Nigeria. He graduated from the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) with a degree in Law in 1981 and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1982.

Career

Falana founded Femi Falana & Co., a law firm specializing in human rights, constitutional law, and social justice.

Notable Cases and Advocacy

He Challenged the Nigerian government over the detention of former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki and advocated for the rights of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) leader, Nnamdi Kanu.

Also, he sued the Nigerian government for failing to investigate and prosecute high-profile corruption cases and represented victims of the Ogoni oil spill and environmental degradation.

Publications

He is the author of several books on law, human rights, and politics. He is also a regular contributor to Nigerian newspapers and online publications and a frequent guest on Nigerian television and radio programs.

Falana published “The Nigerian Constitution and Human Rights” in 2013, “Human Rights and the Rule of Law in Nigeria” in 2015 and “The Challenges of Human Rights Enforcement in Africa” in 2018.

Academic Affiliations

He is a visiting Professor in the University of Lagos and an adjunct Lecturer in the Nigerian Law School.

Professional Memberships
He is a member of the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ), member of  the African Network of Constitutional Lawyers (ANCL) and Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIA).

Personal Qualities

The SAN is known for his bold and fearless approach to challenging authority, passionate advocate for social justice and human rights, and respected for his intellectual rigor and expertise in constitutional law.

Quotes and Statements

The favorite quotes of the human rights activist include “the struggle for human rights and social justice is a continuous one” and “the Nigerian government must be held accountable for its actions.”

Human Rights Activism­

He is the founder of the Alliance for Credible Elections (ACE), member of the International Bar Association (IBA) and member of the African Bar Association (AFBA).

Awards and Recognitions

He was awarded the prestigious International Bar Association’s (IBA) Human Rights Award in 2018

He received the Nigerian Bar Association’s (NBA) Lifetime Achievement Award in 2019 and Honorary Doctorates from several Nigerian universities.

Also, he received the Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) Human Rights Award in 2012.

Family

He is married to Funmi Falana, a lawyer and women’s rights activist and he is a father to Folarin Falana (aka Falz), a renowned rapper, singer, and actor.

Femi Falana is widely respected for his tireless advocacy for human rights, social justice, and good governance in Nigeria.

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