By Bamike Folorunsho
In a significant ruling on April 15, 2025, the Federal High Court in Abuja struck down the N1 billion defamation lawsuit filed by renowned human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) and his son, Nigerian musician Falz, against social media influencer Martins Otse Vincent, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM). The case, which stemmed from a video posted by VDM, alleged that the Falanas had accepted a sum of N10 million from controversial Nigerian crossdresser Bobrisky in exchange for influencing legal proceedings.
The defamation suit was dismissed after the court determined that continuing with the proceedings would serve no practical purpose. The judge ruled that the matter had already been appropriately transferred to another court, making it an academic exercise to pursue the case further in Abuja.
The legal dispute began in September 2024, when VDM published a video containing defamatory claims about the Falanas. The video suggested that the two had been involved in accepting the bribe from Bobrisky, a claim that they vehemently denied. In response, Falana and Falz filed a lawsuit seeking N500 million each in damages. The case quickly gained public attention, particularly due to the high profile of both the Falanas and VeryDarkMan, who is known for his controversial online presence.
The court had previously ordered the removal of the video and issued an injunction preventing further defamatory content. Despite these orders, VDM defiantly celebrated the court’s ruling, posting a social media video in which he sang a gospel song, mocking the legal challenge and expressing gratitude for the court’s decision in his favor.
While the ruling brings an end to this particular legal battle, the controversy surrounding the case has fueled debates about freedom of speech, the responsibilities of public figures in the age of social media, and the limits of legal action in combating online defamation. The dismissal of the case has also raised questions about the accountability of influencers who use their platforms to spread unverified or harmful information.
The Falanas, however, have not made a public statement following the ruling, and it remains to be seen whether they will seek to appeal the court’s decision. Meanwhile, VDM, emboldened by his victory, continues to maintain a strong online presence, further solidifying his position as one of Nigeria’s most notorious social media figures.
The case serves as a reminder of the complex intersection between social media, law, and defamation, as well as the ongoing struggles of public figures seeking to protect their reputations in an increasingly digital world.
