The Lagos State High Court in Ikeja has scheduled February 19, 2025, to hear the N1 billion defamation case filed by renowned human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), and his son, music artist Folarin Falana, popularly known as Falz. The suit is against social media influencer Martins Otse, also known as VeryDarkBlackMan.
The Falanas are demanding N500 million each in damages for alleged defamation following a video posted by Otse on social media. The video claimed the Falanas collected N10 million from Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky, to pervert the course of justice.
Preliminary Objection Filed
At Thursday’s hearing, the court adjourned the case to February 19 to allow time to address a preliminary objection filed by Otse’s lawyer, Marvin Omorogbe. The objection challenges the competence of the suit and the court’s jurisdiction, arguing that Otse resides and conducts business in Abuja, outside the Lagos court’s territorial jurisdiction.
Omorogbe further argued that the alleged defamatory publication was made in Abuja, accusing the Falanas of “forum shopping” to gain a favorable judgment.
The plaintiffs’ lawyer, Omotade Omotunbosun, did not oppose the adjournment request. Justice Matthias Dawodu subsequently granted the adjournment.
Restraining Orders Already in Place
Earlier, on October 14, 2024, Justice Dawodu ordered Otse to remove the allegedly defamatory video and comments from his social media platforms. The judge also restrained Otse from publishing further defamatory content against the Falanas while the case is ongoing.
The court directed that all legal documents be served on Otse through his lawyer, Deji Adeyanju.
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Falanas’ Claims Against Otse
The Falanas maintain that Otse knowingly spread false and unverified claims to harm their reputation. They allege that in the video posted on September 24, 2024, Otse falsely stated that Femi Falana accepted N10 million from Bobrisky, despite the video’s lack of evidence to support the claim.
The plaintiffs argue that Otse’s actions have caused significant injury to their reputation and that the defamatory video continues to circulate online, further damaging their standing.
Reliefs Sought
The Falanas are seeking several remedies from the court, including:
- A declaration that the publication was defamatory, slanderous, and injurious to their character.
- N500 million in damages for each plaintiff, totaling N1 billion.
- A perpetual injunction preventing Otse from making or sharing similar defamatory statements.
- A public apology from Otse, published on all his social media platforms and in a national newspaper.
In his defense, Otse argues that the publication was not made in Lagos and insists the court lacks jurisdiction over the case. He also denies any malicious intent, suggesting that the Falanas deliberately filed the suit in Lagos to secure a favorable ruling.
The February 19, 2025, hearing will address the preliminary objection and allow both parties to present their arguments. As the legal battle unfolds, the case highlights the growing impact of social media and the legal implications of online content.
Justice Dawodu’s final ruling on the matter will determine whether Otse’s publication constitutes defamation and whether the Falanas’ demands for damages and public apology will be granted.