Court Sets Feb. 19 for Hearing of Falana’s Defamation Suit Against Verydarkblackman

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An Ikeja High Court has adjourned the defamation case involving Martins Otse, also known as Verydarkblackman (VDM), until February 19, 2025, to hear a preliminary objection filed by VDM challenging the suit.

The defamation case was filed by human rights lawyer Mr. Femi Falana (SAN) and his son, Folarin, better known as Falz, following an audio recording by cross-dresser Bobrisky that accused the Falanas of perverting justice. VDM, who was mentioned in the recording, filed the preliminary objection, questioning the competence of the suit and the court’s jurisdiction.

At Thursday’s hearing, VDM’s counsel, Mr. Marvin Omorogbe, informed the court that a counter-affidavit had been filed by the plaintiffs in response to his objection. The counter-affidavit was served to him just the day before, leading Omorogbe to request additional time to respond.

The plaintiffs’ counsel, Mr. Omotade Omotunbosun, did not oppose the adjournment request. As a result, Justice Matthias Dawodu adjourned the matter until February 19 for further hearing.

VDM’s legal team has argued that the court lacks territorial jurisdiction over the case because VDM is based in Abuja, where the alleged defamatory publication also occurred. VDM’s counsel, Omorogbe, contends that the court should dismiss the suit based on this jurisdictional issue.

The defamation suit follows a previous ruling by the court on October 14, 2024, which ordered VDM to remove a defamatory video posted on his social media platform on September 24, 2024. The court issued this order after an ex parte application filed by Falana and Falz.