Court strikes out Femi Falana, Falz’s defamation suit against VDM, sparks reactions

• Femi Falana and his son Falz filed a defamation suit against VDM over a video posted on social media, seeking N500 million each in damages
• Justice Matthias Dawodu struck out the suit, stating that proceeding with the case would be an academic exercise since the substantive suit is already pending before another judge
• The judge noted that the application for a stay of proceedings was not in the court file, questioning why the case was before him when the main suit was already pending elsewhere

An Ikeja High Court made headlines on Tuesday, April 15,after dismissing a defamation lawsuit against popular social media critic Martins Otse, better known as Verydarkblackman (VDM). 

This legal action was initiated by human rights attorney Femi Falana and his son, rapper Falz, after a controversial audio clip surfaced, featuring cross-dresser Bobrisky levelling accusations against them for perversion of justice.

The plaintiffs sought a staggering N500 million each in damages, citing a video posted by VDM that they claimed tarnished their reputations. However, when the case was called, neither the Falanas nor VDM appeared in court.

Representing VDM, counsel Niyi Alagbe, who stepped in for Marvin Omorogbe, informed the court of an application for a stay of proceedings that had been filed earlier with Justice Fimisola Azeez. 

Meanwhile, Omotayo Olatunbosun, representing the Falanas, argued that he received notice of the application only the day before, just after 4:15 p.m., and insisted that the preliminary objection was ready for hearing, viewing any delay tactics as an effort to stall proceedings.

Justice Matthias Dawodu, perplexed by the lack of proper documentation concerning the stay application, expressed concern over why the court was being burdened with the case when the substantive matter was already being addressed by another judge. 

Ultimately, he ruled that pursuing the lawsuit would serve no purpose, declaring, "This suit is hereby struck out," and bringing the courtroom drama to an unexpected close.

Netizens react as court strikes out Falanas’ defamation suit against VDM

@Ikigaiii9 wrote: “SAN way no fit win Case Na SANta clause.”

@bummiearo wrote: “Falana just dey lose case.”

@Chizzyben36 wrote; “VDM is not from this Earth, the god of the seven continents are with him the guy is a big Force In our nation.”

@blac_kings posted: “Falz and his father are irrelevant, they are part of the inner cycle destroying this country.”

@KingAlibo wrote: “It was the preliminary objection which was struck out and not the case itself.”

@messithelastdon wrote: “Family of lawyers una. They insult ppl but can’t take one back.”

@socialdist2020 wrote: “How can you win against government PsyOp. A whole Falana losing to VDM. Una no dey watch American CIA movies. You think say your crooked politicians no dey watch same movies?” 

@TJOlabode wrote: “I actually warned the Falanas about this suit and also opposed the meritless argument of a social media/content creator lawyer,@InibeheEffiong, who wrote a piece in support of defamation case against VDM, while i wrote an argument why defamation not apply.   

I also warned that the this suit might be a stain on Falana's legacy. 

A brilliant legal mind will not pursue this kind of meritless/frivolous lawsuit.    

Nigeria is so messed up, even the Bar Association took money from a troublesome governor to push an online and constitutionally distorted argument against Rivers State’s emergency declaration.    

Just because someone calls themselves a lawyer doesn’t automatically mean they’re smart. Many of Nigerian lawyers them can’t even read two paragraphs with proper comprehension, let alone interpret them correctly. 

what a shame.”

“Pity this boy,” Reactions as court orders arrest of VeryDarkMan for defamation 

Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that a Chief Magistrate Court in Wuse, Abuja, issued a bench warrant for the arrest of VeryDarkMan over defamation allegations. 

The court ruled that since he failed to honour a summons issued against him on March 5, he should be arrested and made to appear in court. 

This development follows gospel singer Mercy Chinwo’s lawsuit, in which she seeks N1 billion in general damages, N100 million in punitive damages, and a public apology.