VeryDarkMan Seeks Leave To Appeal Ruling On Defamation Case With Falanas

Controversial social media critic, Martins Otse, known as VeryDarkMan, has moved to appeal a recent court ruling that favored human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), and his son, Folarin Falana, popularly known as Falz.

The application for leave to appeal was filed at the Lagos State High Court following the October 14, 2024, ruling delivered by Justice M.O. Dawodu.

Falana and his son initiated the defamation suit against VeryDarkMan over alleged defamatory statements made in a recorded conversation involving popular cross-dresser Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky.

The dispute stemmed from accusations that Falz was part of a scheme to secure a presidential pardon for Bobrisky following his conviction for abuse of the naira.

The Falana legal team, in a letter dated September 26, 2024, and signed by Taiwo Olawanle, addressed VeryDarkMan, demanding a retraction of statements made regarding financial aid and legal assistance supposedly offered by Falz to Bobrisky. In the letter, which was posted on Falz’s Instagram page, the team outlined claims that Bobrisky had requested legal advice and N3 million from Falz to secure VIP treatment during his detention.

Justice Dawodu’s October 14 ruling directed VeryDarkMan to remove the defamatory video and comments against the Falanas from all his social media platforms. The court further restrained him and his associates from publishing or circulating any additional defamatory content against the father-son duo, pending compliance with court protocols.

In response, VeryDarkMan filed two motions on Monday, marked ID/8584/GCM/2024 (concerning Falz) and ID/8586/GCM/2024 (regarding Femi Falana). In these motions, he sought an extension of time to obtain leave to appeal the ruling, contending that the court’s decision was based solely on the respondent’s affidavit. He argued that as the order was interlocutory, he required the court’s permission to exercise his constitutional right to appeal.

VeryDarkMan emphasized that denying his request for leave to appeal could lead to a miscarriage of justice, as the case involves substantial legal questions that require further examination. He argued that the appellate court plays a crucial role in maintaining the integrity of the judiciary by reviewing and correcting lower court decisions.

Supporting his appeal, legal practitioner Oladimeji Joseph, in an affidavit, highlighted that leave from the court was necessary before an appeal could be pursued. Joseph stressed that the defendant must act within 14 days of the ruling to secure permission from the court and file his appeal.

The motions urge the court to grant the requested leave, citing the importance of ensuring fairness and upholding the principles of justice.
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