The Lagos State High Court has struck out the N1 billion defamation lawsuit filed by human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) and his son, rapper and lawyer Folarin Falana (popularly known as Falz), against controversial social media influencer Martins Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), over procedural irregularities.
The suit, which sought N500 million each in damages, was filed in response to VDM’s online publication of claims made in a leaked audio involving crossdresser Bobrisky. In the tape, Bobrisky alleged that the Falanas collected N10 million to influence a presidential pardon during Bobrisky’s incarceration—a claim the Falanas strongly denied.
During the latest court proceedings, however, it emerged that the originating processes, including the writ of summons, were not properly filed or recorded. VDM’s legal team argued that the writ was invalid, having been improperly tagged with the same suit number as previous injunction proceedings which had already been concluded.
READ ALSO: Falana, Falz Defamation Case Against VeryDarkMan Adjourned to February 19
The presiding judge agreed with the objections, ruling that the absence of properly filed court documents rendered the suit procedurally defective. Consequently, the case was struck out. The court, however, clarified that the dismissal was not on the merits of the defamation claim and that the Falanas are free to refile the case correctly.
The matter had earlier been adjourned to April 15, 2025, following a domestic emergency involving VDM’s lawyers. However, the Falanas and VDM were absent in court on the day of the hearing, prompting the court to strike out the motion entirely.
While the high-profile N1 billion defamation case may be off the docket for now, legal observers say the courtroom battle may not be over yet. The Falanas reserve the right to initiate fresh legal proceedings, this time with proper filings.