A Lagos High Court in Ikeja has struck out a defamation suit filed by Femi Falana SAN and his son Falz against social media commentator Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM).
Falanas Accused VDM of Defamation Over Bobrisky Claim
The senior lawyer and his musician son filed the suit after VDM alleged they received ₦10 million from Bobrisky to influence justice.
VDM made the claim in a viral video posted on September 24, 2024, via his social media handles.
The Falanas filed two separate suits, each seeking ₦500 million in damages for alleged defamation and reputational harm.
Respondent Filed Stay of Proceedings
When the court called the case on April 15, all parties, including Falana, Falz, and VDM, were absent.
However, VDM’s lawyer, Niyi Alagbe, announced he had filed an application for a stay of proceedings before Justice Fimisola Azeez.
Falana’s lawyer, Omotayo Olatunbosun, confirmed he received the application late on Monday.
He argued that the court should proceed with the scheduled preliminary objection, accusing VDM’s legal team of delay tactics.
Judge Questions Jurisdiction, Strikes Out Case
Justice Matthias Dawodu noted that the main suit was already before another judge.
He questioned why he was being asked to rule when it would amount to an academic exercise.
“Since the substantive case is elsewhere, continuing here serves no purpose,” the judge said.
He subsequently struck out the defamation suit.
Legal Dispute Remains Ongoing
The case may resume under Justice Azeez, where the stay of proceedings was filed.
Legal observers continue to follow the matter due to its high-profile nature and implications for online speech.
READ ALSO: FHC Orders VeryDarkMan To Remove Defamatory Posts Against Femi Falana Within 21 Days
