The Lagos High Court, Ikeja Division, on Tuesday fined Instagram celebrity Martins Otse, known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), N200,000 in costs and dismissed his preliminary objections in a defamation suit filed by human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) and his son, musician Folarin Falana (Falz).
The suit stems from a video VDM posted on September 24, 2024, which the claimants say contains defamatory remarks. They are seeking N500 million each in damages, totaling N1 billion.
Justice Fimisola Azeez ruled that VDM’s objection challenging the court’s jurisdiction was dismissed and ordered him to file a defence promptly. The court adjourned the case until July 8 for mention.
The claimants accuse VDM of character assassination and seek a public apology, an injunction against further defamatory statements, and a declaration that the Instagram post is libellous.
VDM was absent but represented by counsel, while Falz attended court. Falana was represented by his lawyers.