Court strikes out Falana’s defamation suit against VeryDarkMan

An Ikeja High Court has struck out the defamation suit filed by Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), and his son, Folarin Falana, aka Falz, against Martins Otse, ‘VeryDarkMan’.

The lawsuit stemmed from comments made by VDM in response to an audio recording of convicted cross-dresser Bobrisky, who allegedly claimed he lived in a flat outside prison and did not serve his full sentence.

VDM reportedly accused the Falanas of perverting justice.

Both father and son demanded ₦500 million each in damages over a video VDM shared on his social media platforms.

When the case was called on Tuesday, none of the parties—Falana, Falz, or VDM—were present in court.

Counsel to the respondent, Mr. Niyi Alagbe (representing Mr. Marvin Omorogbe), informed the court that an application for a stay of proceedings had previously been filed before Justice Fimisola Azeez.

In response, the Falanas’ counsel, Mr. Omotayo Olatunbosun, stated that he only received the application around 4:15 p.m. on Monday. He argued that the matter scheduled for the day—a preliminary objection—was ready for hearing and claimed the new application was merely a delay tactic.

Olatunbosun urged the judge to proceed with the scheduled matter.

Justice Matthias Dawodu, however, noted that the application was not in the court’s file and questioned why the case was being brought before him when the main suit was already pending before another judge.

He ruled that continuing the case would serve no legal purpose and dismissed it, stating:

“Consequently, this suit is hereby struck out,”

NAN