An Ikeja High Court has scheduled January 23 to hear the defamation case against controversial online activist Vincent Otse, popularly known as Very Dark Man.
The suit, brought by prominent Nigerian lawyer Femi Falana SAN and his son, musician Folarin Falana, “Falz” alleges defamation by VDM.
During Thursday’s proceedings, counsel for the Falanas, Muiz Banire SAN, informed Justice Matthias Dawodu that originating documents had been filed and served, and a motion on notice was also served on October 25. However, Justice Matthias Dawodu noted that the originating process was not available in the court’s records.
To address this, Banire requested an adjournment to allow time for administrative filings. In response, VDM’s lawyer, Marvin Omorogbe, argued that the writ of summons was invalid and should be struck out, citing procedural issues with the current suit number, which he said conflicted with earlier preemptive remedy proceedings.
Omorogbe asserted: “A new suit number is needed for the fresh writ of summons.” Both parties agreed to the January 23 date, which will allow for additional filings and a preliminary objection hearing from the defense.
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Credible News recalls that Lagos High Court issued an interim order directing VeryDarkMan, to remove defamatory comments and videos about Falana and Falz.
The court ruled that the statements, which were published on September 24, on social media, were damaging to their reputations. In the ruling delivered by Justice M. O. Dawodu, the court restrained VeryDarkMan, his agents, and associates from further circulating or publishing any defamatory content about the claimants. The defamatory posts, which linked Falana and Falz to controversial public figure Bobrisky, were considered false and harmful, and the court emphasized the importance of the applicants’ right to protect their reputation.
The original defamatory statements involved VeryDarkMan repeating unverified claims allegedly made by Bobrisky, accusing Femi Falana and Falz of intervening to shield Bobrisky from legal consequences. Following these allegations, Femi Falana demanded an apology and a full retraction of the offensive video. If no resolution is reached, the applicants are seeking N500 million in damages.
The court order stipulates that the removal of the content must occur within 14 days, with the interim order remaining in effect for 21 days.
Credible News.ng
