The Lagos State High Court has ruled against social media critic Martin Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, in a high-profile defamation case filed by prominent lawyer and human rights activist Femi Falana (SAN) and his son, musician Folarin Falana, better known as Falz.
The court ordered Otse to remove defamatory comments and videos he had posted about the Falanas and pay a significant sum of N500 million in damages for the harm caused to their reputations.
This case stems from a series of social media posts made by Otse on September 24, 2024, where he falsely linked Bobrisky, the well-known transgender social media figure, to both Femi Falana and Falz.
In these posts, VeryDarkMan implied that there was some connection between Bobrisky and the Falanas, causing a wave of public reaction. These baseless claims, which spread quickly across social media, led to widespread speculation and cast a negative light on the father-and-son duo.
The court presided over by Justice M.O. Idowu, found that Otse’s allegations were not only false but maliciously intended to damage the public image of both Femi and Falz.
In her judgment, Justice Idowu emphasized that the content, which continued to circulate online, was injurious to the Falanas’ reputations and needed to be taken down immediately. The court’s ruling highlighted the need for accountability in the digital age, where defamatory statements can cause lasting harm.
The background to this legal battle reveals how VeryDarkMan, who is known for his sharp and often controversial takes on social issues, found himself in hot water.
His social media presence, built on fearlessness and unfiltered commentary, has often made him a voice on trending topics. However, in this case, his eagerness to comment on Bobrisky and the Falanas without verifying facts backfired.
The figure at the centre of the controversy, Bobrisky, has always attracted attention for his bold persona. A transgender social media personality and entrepreneur, Bobrisky often dominates public discourse with his unapologetic approach to life.
Otse’s posts attempted to sensationalize an imagined connection between Bobrisky and the Falanas, fueling public intrigue and damaging their reputations. The Falanas quickly moved to deny the claims and took legal action to clear their names, leading to the court case.
For VeryDarkMan, the fallout from this case is significant. His misstep in spreading false information about the Falanas has not only damaged his credibility but has also resulted in a heavy financial penalty.
The Falanas’ decision to take legal action reflects their strong commitment to protecting their reputations.
Don’t miss out! Get your daily dose of Entertainment news and more straight to your phone. Join Ghana Street Journal Whatsapp channel now!
Don’t miss out! Get your daily dose of Entertainment news and more straight to your phone. Join Ghana Street Journal Whatsapp channel now!
