The Lagos State High Court in Ikeja has postponed hearing in a N1 billion defamation case involving renowned human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) and his son, popular musician and activist Folarin Falana, also known as Falz. The case, filed against social media influencer Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, is now scheduled for February 19, 2025.
The court fixed the new date to address a preliminary objection raised by the defendant’s lawyer, Marvin Omorogbe, who is contesting the suit’s validity and the court’s jurisdiction. Omorogbe argued that the case should not be heard in Lagos, claiming that his client resides and operates in Abuja, where the alleged defamatory statements were made. He noted that the plaintiffs’ decision to file the case in Lagos amounted to “forum shopping,” intended to secure a favorable ruling.
The Falanas are seeking N500 million each in damages over a video posted by VeryDarkMan on his social media platforms, where he accused the senior lawyer and his son of accepting N10 million from Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky, to influence the outcome of a legal matter. The plaintiffs assert that the allegations are untrue and were published recklessly, with the intent of damaging their reputation.
Previously, on October 14, 2024, the presiding judge, Justice Matthias Dawodu, ordered VeryDarkMan to take down the video and refrain from making further defamatory comments about the Falanas. The judge also directed that all case documents be served to the defendant via his lawyer, Deji Adeyanju.
During Thursday’s session, Omorogbe informed the court that he had received the plaintiffs’ counter-affidavit to his objection just a day earlier and needed more time to respond. Plaintiffs’ counsel, Omotade Omotunbosun, did not oppose the request, leading Justice Dawodu to adjourn the hearing.
