VDM Defamation Case: New Date Set for April 15
The Lagos State High Court in Ikeja has adjourned the defamation lawsuit filed by Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Femi Falana and his son, Folarin Falana (popularly known as Falz), against social media influencer Martins Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), to April 15, 2025.
The adjournment was necessitated by a letter from VDM’s legal team, Deji Adeyanju & Co., indicating that the lead defense counsel, Marvin Omorogbe, was unavailable due to a “domestic emergency.” The letter, dated February 18 and signed by counsel Nafiu Alagbe, requested a new hearing date in March or April.
Despite objections from the claimants’ counsel, Omotayo Olatunbosun, who described the request as a “delaying tactic,” Justice Matthias Dawodu granted the adjournment. The judge also allowed the claimants to move their counter-affidavit opposing VDM’s preliminary objection to the suit.
The lawsuit stems from a controversial voice recording released by VDM, in which a person, purported to be crossdresser Bobrisky, alleged that Falz and his father were involved in securing a federal pardon for a fee of N10 million. The Falanas have denied these allegations and are seeking legal redress for defamation.