VDM: I won’t apologize to Falanas, they should clear their names instead

Ahead of the court hearing of a defamation lawsuit filed by Nigerian human activist, Femi Falana and his son, Folarin Falana popularly known as Falz, against the controversial social media critic, Mr Martins Otse known as Very Dark Man (VDM), VDM has stated that he won’t apologize but instead they should clear their names.

According to the Diaspora Digital Media (DDM), earlier in September, VDM shared a viral video online which involved the popular Nigerian crossdresser, Idris Okuneye popularly known as Bobrisky, Falana and his son.

In the controversial viral video, Bobrisky alleged that Falz and his father reached to him while he was serving his six months jail term for naira abuse at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre, to assist him get presidential pardon for a whopping sum of N10 million.

Falana and his son denied these allegations made by VDM, labelling them as defamatory and demanded a public apology and retraction within 24 hours

Following the refusal of VDM to retract the statement made in his post and apologize, the Lagos State High Court ordered him to delete the post ahead of the court hearing scheduled to hold at Ikeja High Court in Lagos on Thursday, November 14, but was later adjourned till January 23, 2025.

Meanwhile, VDM, yesterday posted a new video on his X handle page with the caption “Just touched down Lagos for Falana and daddy’s boy case against me……According to them, I allegedly d3f@med them, as for me I exposed corruption…Anyways see yall in Ikeja High Court tomorrow”

VDM stated “”I didn’t do anything wrong, I exposed corruption, plain and simple. If someone goes to prison and doesn’t serve their time or the EFCC collects money, that’s a problem.

“The Falanas are asking me to apologize, but I won’t. They should clear their own names.”

“I’ve made every effort to show respect, but it was met with inflexibility. Despite my humble gesture of prostrating before Falana, they still demanded a public apology. Now, it’s time to let the courts decide. I’m not intimidated.

“If I hear their names mentioned again tomorrow, I’ll speak out. I refuse to be silenced by anyone, regardless of their status or family ties. I want a Nigeria where truth prevails, not a culture of silence and fear.

“I’ve taken a stand against corruption, and I won’t back down. No one’s father or influence will cow me. It’s time for accountability, and I’m willing to face the consequences.”

Who is Femi Falana?

Femi Falana is a renowned Nigerian human rights lawyer, activist, and former President of the West African Bar Association (WABA).

Biography

Femi was born on May 20, 1958, in Ilawe, Ekiti State, Nigeria. He is married to Funmi Falana, and  have 4 children including the popular Nigerian rapper, Folarin Falana popularly known as Falz.

Education

The human right activist had his Bachelor in Law (LLB) in the University of Ife now Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU). He was called to the Nigerian Bar (NBA) in 1982.

Career

Falana is the founder of the Femi Falana & Co. law firm. He is a human rights lawyer and activist.

Besides, the Nigerian lawyer is the Former President, West African Bar Association (WABA), Former Chairman, National Conscience Party (NCP), and Member, International Bar Association (IBA).

Notable Cases

The renowned lawyer represented Nigerian activists, including Dele Giwa and Ken Saro-Wiwa, challenged the Nigerian government on human rights issues, corruption, and rule of law, and led the legal team for the African Centre for Rights and Justice.

Awards and Recognition

Falana received Honorary Doctorate by the Ekiti State University in 2019, Lifetime Achievement Award, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in 2018, and the Human Rights Award, National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in 2015.

Publications

He is the author, “Human Rights and Law: Essays in Honour of Prof. Ben Nwabueze” and has contributed to various law journals and publications

Activism

The Ekiti born man advocates for human rights, democracy, and rule of law, criticizes government corruption and impunity, and supports social justice and equality.

Controversies

He was criticized for his vocal opposition to government policies and as well faces criticism from some quarters for his methods and affiliations

Recent News

He was involved in a defamation case against VeryDarkMan (VDM) and Bobrisky

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