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Tag: Femi Falana

  • Falana vs VDM: Court orders VeryDarkMan to file defence in case involving Bobrisky

    Falana vs VDM: Court orders VeryDarkMan to file defence in case involving Bobrisky

    An Ikeja High Court has ordered Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), to file his defence in a case instituted against him by Femi Falana, involving Okuneye Idris Olanrewaju, aka Bobrisky.

    The High Court dished the order on Tuesday, awarded N200,000 in costs and dismissed preliminary objections filed by the social media celebrity.

    Recall human rights lawyer, Mr Falana (SAN), and his musician son, Folarin Falana (Falz), had filed a N1 billion defamation suit against VDM.

    Falana initiated the suit after an audio recording by cross-dresser Bobrisky accused him and his son of perverting justice.

    The claimants are seeking N500 million each in damages over a video posted by VDM on his social media platforms.

    Justice Fimisola Azeez dismissed VDM’s objections and ordered him to pay N100,000 each to both claimants as costs.

    The judge also directed the respondent to promptly file his defence to the defamation claims made against him.

    VDM had challenged the court’s jurisdiction, arguing that the alleged offence occurred outside Lagos State.

    In reply, the claimants filed a counter-affidavit and a written address, urging the court to dismiss the objection.

    The court rejected VDM’s preliminary objection and adjourned the case until July 8 for mention, instructing him to file his defence.

    VDM is being sued over a video posted on his Instagram handle on 24 Sept. 24, 2024, alleged to contain defamatory remarks.

    When the case was called, Falana was absent but represented by his lawyers, Ernest Olawanle and Femi Akinyemi.

    Falz appeared in court, while VDM was absent but represented by his counsel, Mr Marvin Omorogbe.

    The claimants accused VDM of character assassination and urged the court to order him to issue a public apology.

    They also requested a court order restraining VDM from publishing similar or identical defamatory statements.

    Furthermore, they asked the court to declare VDM’s Instagram post as libellous, injurious, derogatory, and defamatory.

    They are demanding N500 million each — totalling N1 billion — in damages from the defendant.

    They also requested a perpetual injunction preventing the defendant and his agents from further defamatory publications.

    Additionally, the claimants want the court to order VDM to publish an apology across all his social media platforms and in a national daily.

    Justice Mathias Dawodu had on April 15 struck out a pre-emptive suit filed by the claimants due to a pending substantive case before Justice Azeez.

    Dawodu ruled that hearing the pre-emptive suit would be academic and a waste of the court’s time.

    VDM had also filed for a stay of proceedings, but his application was struck out due to the ongoing substantive matter.

  • Wike, Falana clash over Supreme Court ruling on Rivers Assembly defections

    Wike, Falana clash over Supreme Court ruling on Rivers Assembly defections

    A heated exchange has erupted between the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike, and prominent human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), over the Supreme Court’s decision concerning the defection saga in the Rivers State House of Assembly.

    Wike, speaking through his Senior Special Assistant on Public Communications and Social Media, Lere Olayinka, slammed Falana for allegedly spreading falsehoods regarding the defection of 27 lawmakers during an interview on Channels Television. He accused the senior lawyer of misrepresenting the legal situation, warning that such misinformation from a respected legal voice could incite political instability in the state.

    In a strongly worded statement issued Monday, Olayinka questioned Falana’s credentials and contributions to the legal profession, challenging him to name significant cases he had won. Wike, through Olayinka, labeled Falana an “arrangee and errand lawyer,” claiming his elevation to Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) was delayed and unremarkable.

    “It’s laughable that Falana believes only lawyers who appear in court deserve professional recognition. Yet, Wike earned his place in the Body of Benchers through his substantial contributions to legal education,” Olayinka argued.

    Highlighting Wike’s record, the statement noted his role in building the Port Harcourt campus of the Nigerian Law School during his tenure as governor of Rivers State, as well as other contributions to law school infrastructure in Yenagoa and Abuja. In contrast, it accused Falana of making no tangible contributions to the legal profession, even in his home state of Ekiti.

    “While others like Aare Afe Babalola and Chief Wole Olanipekun have made landmark investments in legal development in Ekiti, what has Falana done? Nothing. Even his attempt at politics ended in failure,” Olayinka added.

    The FCT Minister’s camp also criticized Falana’s interpretation of the Supreme Court verdict, accusing him of misleading the public by claiming the ruling didn’t address the issue of defection in the Rivers Assembly. They pointed out that Justice Emmanuel Obile of the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt had dismissed a Labour Party case on the basis of the Supreme Court’s decision, which he interpreted as having settled the defection issue.

    The statement also blasted Falana for suggesting that three lawmakers could perform legislative duties in a 32-member House, contrary to Section 96(1) of the 1999 Constitution, which mandates that one-third of members constitute a quorum.

    “If a Senior Advocate can mislead his client by dismissing constitutional requirements for quorum, we must ask serious questions about how he attained that rank.”

  • Falana vs VeryDarkMan: VDM sighted in Abuja as his absence stalls court case in Lagos

    Falana vs VeryDarkMan: VDM sighted in Abuja as his absence stalls court case in Lagos

    The absence of Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), and his legal representatives, stalled an Ikeja High Court proceeding on Wednesday.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the court was forced to adjourn until April 15 the alleged defamation suit filed against the social media celebrity.

    However, VeryDarkMan was sighted around Wuye bridge in the federal capital territory (FCT) frolicking around with some of his fans.

    Recall a human rights lawyer, Mr Femi Falana (SAN) and his son, Folarin, popularly known as Falz, had filed the defamatory suit against VDM.

    Falana filed the suit following an audio recording made by a cross-dresser, Bobrisky, accusing Falana and son of perversion of justice.

    Justice Matthias Dawodu adjourned the case due to the absence of VDM and his legal representatives.

    His lead counsel, Mr Marvin Omorogbe, had in a letter dated February 18, urged the court to adjourn the case to any date in March or April.

    The letter stated that Omorogbe was unavailable due to a domestic emergency.

    Counsel to the Falanas, Mr Omotayo Olatunbosun, told the court that the letter was a “time wasting tactic” on the part of the respondents.

    At the court’s prompting, counsel moved his counter affidavit, challenging the preliminary objection filed by VeryDarkMan to the defamation suit.

    Following the development, the court adjourned the case until April 15 for hearing of the preliminary objection.

    Watch video of VeryDarkMan sighted around Wuye bridge in Abuja below:

    @chiefoyibo #VeryDarkMan sighted somewhere in the heart of #Abuja #VDM ♬ original sound – D’blaq 🖤

  • Falanas vs VeryDarkMan: Court fixes defamatory suit for hearing

    Falanas vs VeryDarkMan: Court fixes defamatory suit for hearing

    An Ikeja High Court on Thursday fixed till February 19 to hear a preliminary objection filed by Martins Otse also known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), challenging a defamation suit against him.

    A human rights lawyer, Mr Femi Falana (SAN) and his son, Folarin, popularly known as Falz, filed the defamatory suit against VDM.

    Falana filed the suit following an audio recording of a one sided narrative by a cross dresser, Bobrisky, alleging perversion of justice by Falana and son.

    However, VDM, through his counsel, Mr Marvin Omorogbe, filed a preliminary objection challenging the competence of the suit and the jurisdiction of the court.

    When the case was called on Thursday, the defendant’s counsel informed the court that the plaintiffs had filed a counter-affidavit against his preliminary objection.

    He said the counter affidavit was made available to him on Wednesday.

    Omorogbe, therefore, requested for more time to respond to the counter-affidavit.

    The plaintiffs’ counsel, Mr Omotade Omotunbosun, did not object to the application for adjournment.

    Following the development, the Judge, Justice Matthias Dawodu adjourned the case until Feb. 19 for  hearing.

    In the preliminary application, VDM, through his counsel, argued that by the provisions of Order 4 Rule 1(4) of the High Court of Lagos State (Civil Procedure) Rules, 2019, the court did not have the territorial jurisdiction to entertain the suit.

    According to Omorogbe, VDM is domiciled and carries on his business in Abuja, outside the jurisdiction of the court.

    He also submitted that the alleged defamatory publication was made in Abuja.

    He, therefore, urged the court to strike out the suit.

    At the last proceeding, on Nov. 14, 2024, the court adjourned until Jan. 23, to hear the alleged defamation suit against VDM.

    On that date, counsel to Falana and Falz, Mr Muiz Banire (SAN), informed the court that the claimants had filed the originating process and served to the parties.

    Banire also mentioned that a motion on notice was served on Oct. 25, 2024, but the court said the originating process was not before it.

    The claimant’s counsel, however, prayed the court to adjourn the case to enable him file an administrative process.

    Omorogbe, in his response, urged the court to strike out the suit, arguing that there was no valid writ of summon before it.

    He argued that the writ already filed was invalid as it was not before the court.

    The court had on Oct. 14, 2024, ordered VDM to bring down the alleged defamatory video on his social platform which he made on Sept. 24, 2024 against the plaintiffs.

    The court made the order following an ex parte originating application filed by Falana and his son against the actions of VDM.

  • Stampedes: Falana tells FG what to do to families of victims

    Stampedes: Falana tells FG what to do to families of victims

    Human Right Activist and Lawyer, Mr Femi Falana SAN, has urged the Federal Government to compensate the families of those involved in the recent stampedes in parts of the country.

    Falana stated this on Friday in Akure during a programme organised by the Ondo State Government tagged Akeredolu Leadership Lecture Series to honour the late governor.

    The topic of the of the lecture was; Security Sector Reform in Promoting Peace Stability and Development; The Ondo State Example.

    Falana blamed the Nigerian Police for the recent stampedes in Ibadan, Anambra and Abuja where over 65 persons died in the process of collecting palliatives.

    According to him, the police failed to adequately protect people during the gatherings.

    “It was failure of security, it’s not poverty that caused all the loss of lives. If there is any process, or gathering, they (Police) shall provide security,” the lawyer said.

    Falana said that Ondo State has become a reference point for states in the country by ensuring peace in the state through the creation of Ondo State Security Network, codenamed Amotekun by Akeredolu.

    He said Akeredolu dared the Federal Government to create the state Amotekun which could be likened to a state police.

    Falana also said that the greatest tribute of the legacy of Akeredolu was the recent meeting by all the 36 State governors in Abuja with the the Federal Government for the creation of state police.

    Falana commended Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa for sustaining the legacies of late Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu of of Ondo State.

    “The greatest tribute that can be paid to Akeredolu since he passed on, has come from unexpected quarters.

    “The President and governors recently met and approved the creation of state police in Nigeria. That is the greatest tribute. Ondo State has exported the Amotekun phenomenal to Nigeria.

    Later, Gov. Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State said that he remained the number one legacy of Akeredolu, who made no mistake about who to succeed him.

    Aiyedatiwa said that his predecessor must be celebrated for his selfless service and fight for the advancement of democracy and rule of law in the country.

    He said the state government rather than celebrate one year in office which coincided with the death of Akeredolu, chose to accord premium to his remembrance.

    “Akeredolu was that courageous leader who spoke truth to power and fought for the advancement of democracy and the Rule of Law in our country.

    “His leadership was not only marked by integrity, transparency and a deep understanding of the needs of our people, Akeredolu also implemented various initiatives geared towards transforming Ondo State,” he said.

    Earlier, the Chairman of the occasion, Chief Sehinde Arogbofa, commended Falana for always speaking for the masses and acknowledged the legacies of Akeredolu.

    Also, Hon. Victor Olabimtan, a former Speaker of the House of Assembly and Chairman, SUBEB, lauded Aiyedatiwa for continuing the legacies and projects initiated by Akeredolu.

  • Falana vs VeryDarkMan: Court fixes date to hear defamation suit

    Falana vs VeryDarkMan: Court fixes date to hear defamation suit

    An Ikeja High Court on Thursday reserved January 23 to hear the alleged defamation suit filed against the controversial online activist, Vincent Otse, popularly called VeryDarkMan (VDM).

    VDM is facing a defamatory suit filed against him by Mr Femi Falana (SAN), and his son, Folarin, also called Falz. When the case was called on Thursday, counsel to Falana and Falz, Mr Muiz Banire (SAN), informed the court that the claimants had filed the originating process and served to the parties.

    Banire also said a motion on notice was served on Oct. 25, but Justice Matthias Dawodu said the originating process was not before the court.

    The claimant’s counsel, however, prayed the court to adjourn the case to enable him file administrative processes.

    “In this circumstance, my lord, the best thing to do is to adjourn the matter so that we can go back to the registry to file all the administrative processes,” Banire said.

    In his response, counsel to VDM, Mr Marvin Omorogbe, said it had been observed that there was no valid writ of summon before the court. He, therefore, prayed the court to strike out the lawsuit.

    Omorogbe said he did not know how the registry of the court would prepare any administrative process. He opined that the writ already filed was invalid as it was not before the court. According to him, the writ bears the same suit number as the preemptive remedy proceedings.

    He said, “Preemptive remedy proceedings ends after injunction is granted or refused. They have gone ahead to file a writ, using the same suit number as the preemptive remedy proceedings.

    “And the court said no,  that a fresh writ of summons with a new suit number, needs to be filed. At this point my lord, we will be seeking for a date to hear our preliminary objection”.

    Omorogbe further urged the court to withdraw a motion dated Oct. 18. He said the motion was a move to appeal on the ground that the claimants had admitted, there was an issue in respect to the preemptive proceedings.

    Justice Dawodu, however, struck out the motion, following no objections from the claimants counsel.

    “I will give you a date for hearing because we are talking about a writ that is not before the court,” Dawodu said.

    The judge thereafter adjourned the case until Jan.23, 2025 for hearing of the preliminary objections. The court also adjourned the sister case involving Falz and VDM on the same ground.

    The court had on Oct. 14 ordered VDM to bring down the alleged defamatory video which he made on Sept. 24 against the Falanas.

    The court had made the order following an ex parte originating application filed by Falana and his son against the actions of VDM.

    The court had ordered VDM to bring down an unverified audio recording of a one sided narrative by a cross dresser, Bobrisky, alleging perversion of justice by Falana and son.

  • VeryDarkman ordered by court to delete defamatory posts against Falana

    VeryDarkman ordered by court to delete defamatory posts against Falana

    An Ikeja high court has issued an interim order restraining the activist and social media influencer Martins Otse popularly known as VeryDarkMan, from further circulating or publishing any defamatory video or comments against, Human rights activist, Femi Falana, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and his son, Folarin Falana.

    M. O. Dawodu, presiding judge, ruling on an exparte application gave the order while in a suit marked; ID/8584/GCM/2024 on Tuesday.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that VeryDarkMan had recently shared an audio conversation wherein Idris Okuneye, the popular crossdresser known as Bobrisky claimed that Mr. Falana and his son Falz contacted her while she was serving a six-month sentence for naira abuse.

    In the recording, Bobrisky alleged that Falz and his father tried to get him a presidential pardon in exchange for N10 million.

    Bobrisky had since denied the recording, threatening to sue VeryDarkMan for defamation. According to male barbie, VeryDarkMan “recklessly” published the video without proper verification in order to “injure” his reputation and that of his family.

    Mr. Femi Falana and Falz also institute legal action against the activist. In an ex-parte application instituted on Oct. 9, sued VeryDarkMan following his comments concerning a case between Bobrisky and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

    In his, Justice Dawodu held that the publications made by VeryDarkMan on his social media accounts on September 24, 2024, linking Bobrisky to Falz and his father were defamatory and injurious to their public image.

    Part of the ruling as sighted by TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) read, “The Defendant, his agents, and privies are hereby restrained from further releasing, publishing, or circulating any defamatory videos/comments about the Applicant and to bring down the defamatory video/comments about the Applicant published on 24th September, 2024 on all his online social media handles/pages pending compliance with the Pre-Action Protocol of this Honourable Court.

    “Leave is hereby granted to the Applicant to serve the Pre-Action Bundles, Originating Processes, and all other court processes between parties herein on the Defendant by substituted means through his lawyer, Deji Adeyanju Esq. of Deji Adeyanju & Partners at Terrace Block D4, White Diamond Estate, Makuru Street, Off Embu Street, Off Aminu, Wuse II, Abuja.

    “The Applicant must file and serve the Pre-action Bundles, Originating processes, and other accompanying processes on the Defendant within 14 days from today.” the judge held.

  • I’ll never be part of anybody sending any threatening messages to anyone- VDM tells Falana

    I’ll never be part of anybody sending any threatening messages to anyone- VDM tells Falana

    Social media activist, Martins Vincent Otse popularly known as Verydarkman (VDM) has voiced his innocence of the messages by some faceless individuals threatening to burn down the office and kill a daughter of the Human Rights lawyer and critic, Chief Femi Falana (SAN) if he went ahead to sue the social activist.

    VDM dissociated himself from the threat of harming the respected lawyer and his family on Wednesday in a short video he posted on his X handle.

    ” I want to say I am not aware and I don’t have knowledge of anyone sending threats to Femi Falana or any member of his family. Secondly, I will never be part of anybody sending any threatening messages to anyone in this country.

    “What I will like to say is this: I am willing to cooperate and work with Uncle Femi to fish out whoever sent the message to him. Let the person come and answer why he or she would send something like that to him. Please, I don’t associate myself with things like that,” VDM said, adding that someone who wanted to worsen the relationship between him and Chief Falana must have been behind it.

    He said he doubted if any of his genuine supporters would do such a thing and warned people to support any movement with wisdom.

    He added: “I acknowledge one thing- Uncle Femi Falana is a legend for this game. It’s just unfortunate that this thing turns like this. E be like say na devil who just wan scatter scatter everything.”
    He admonished his supporters to know that Femi Falana is a highly respected defender of the masses and good causes.

    VDM had released some video clips where the controversial crossdresser, Okuneye Idris Olanrewaju, popularly known as Bobrisky’s recorded voice allegedly disclosing that he bribed officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC with 15 million naira and some other personalities such as the Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Haliru Nababa and Chief Falana with various sums to drop money laundering charges against him; arrange a special apartment for him instead of staying in prison, and grant him state pardon over the offence of naira abuse on which he was convicted.

    Chief Falana had threatened to sue VDM for defamation if he failed to publish a public apology in relevant media for which some individuals sent the threats to him and his daughter.

    Falana also on Wednesday reacted to the threat in an interview with Channels by saying: “The only disturbing area in this scenario is a threat to me and one of my two daughters. Some of these guys who I believe are mentally deranged have dared me, saying if you go to court, we shall burn your office.

    They have also sent messages to one of my daughters that if your father goes to court we shall kill you! I beg your pardon, in this country! I just laughed and I told my girl, don’t worry I will take it up.”

  • VeryDarkMan: ‘Some people have threatened to kill my daughter, burn my office’ – Falana

    VeryDarkMan: ‘Some people have threatened to kill my daughter, burn my office’ – Falana

    Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN) has disclosed that some unidentified people have threatened to kill one of his daughters and burn down his office if he go ahead with the lawsuit against social media influencer, Martins Otse a.k.a Verydarkman.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) recalls that social media critic VeryDarkMan (VDM) had published an audio recording which captured Bobrisky allegedly saying that he spent his jail term in a private apartment. The audio also captured Bobrisky allegedly saying that he paid N15 million to officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to drop charges of money laundering against him. Bobrisky was convicted for mutilating the Naira and was sentenced to six months in jail.

    Additionally, VeryDarkMan claimed that Falana attempted to secure a presidential pardon for Bobrisky in return for ₦10 million.

    In response to the allegations, Falana denied any connection to Bobrisky and issued a 24-hour ultimatum to VeryDarkMan to retract his statements linking him to Bobrisky.

    In an interview with Sahara TV, Falana said his son Falz informed him that Bobrisky had contacted him from prison, but his son directed him to use the appropriate channel.

    He said, “On May 4th this year, this guy called me from the correctional center and he asked him, are you calling through the Superintendent of prisons and he said No! He said ‘Please I trying to raise N3 million so I can be placed in a special part of the prison’. My son said Please stop calling me and if you are going to call me next time, do it through the proper channel or if you are going to write a letter, let it be endorsed.

    “You were regularly detained in the prison so I should be familiar with the law and regulations. I know under the law, you cannot communicate with anybody outside the prison without going through the official channel and if you are going to send a letter, it must be endorsed so I was being careful and so I advised him and I know he appealed to other people and that was the last time my son spoke to him, It had nothing to do with a pardon. My son knows that we do not charge for pardon. My son has never negotiated our fees with anybody, On the contrary, he sends people here for us to handle their matter pro bono”

    Speaking on the threats he and one of his daughters have received, Falana added, “Some of these guys who I believe are mentally deranged dared me that if you like to go to court, we shall burn your office. They have also sent messages to one of my daughters that if your father goes to court, we shall let him. I asked my girl not to worry. I have already taken that up”

  • Seun Kuti throws VeryDarkMan ‘under the bus’ as Femi Falana threatens to ‘deal’ with critic

    Seun Kuti throws VeryDarkMan ‘under the bus’ as Femi Falana threatens to ‘deal’ with critic

    Afrobeat singer Seun Kuti has clarified that he has no input on what controversial social media influencer Martins Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan, (VDM) shares on social media while apologizing to the Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that the social activist VeryDarkMan had on Tuesday shared a voice note in which the self-proclaimed trans woman, Bobrisky, alleged she spoke with Falz in prison and that Falz and his father, Femi Falana, SAN, tried to get him a presidential pardon in exchange for N10 million. 

    Reacting to the audio, VeryDarkMan expressed disappointment at the popular singer and his father for associating with male barbie and even asked if Falz’ dey do’, a comment many assumed was questioning Falz’s sexual orientation.

    The acclaimed activist further used one of Falz’s hit songs, ‘This is Nigeria’, asserting that he’s a hypocrite. 

    Shortly after releasing the video, Seun, via his Instagram, disclosed that he gave the VDM the go-ahead to release the controversial audio tape.

    However, In a video he shared on social media on Thursday, October 4, Seun made a U-turn, saying VDM did not play the content of the audio but only told him about it verbally.

    He said he never intended for VDM to defame or insult Falana who was his late father, Fela’s lawyer, saying that VDM never listens to anyone and does whatever he feels is right.

    He added that although, he enjoyed a good relationship with VDM, he does not in any way control VDM.

    He said, ‘’I wasn’t conniving and I did not have any ulterior motive because I am the one that still came out to say he told me before he said it. If I was the one pushing him, I would never have come out to say he told me. I would have been in the shadow. The matter did not concern me and I told him to go and say what he wants to say. 

    I am sorry deeply if that offended Uncle Femi., It is really not my intention. I will not in any way, shape or form want to join anybody even VDM to fight Uncle Femi Falana. We have been through a lot. We have come a long way. Left to me, the one that matters to me is the institutional lapses of EFCC taking money to drop money laundering charge. I will never join issues with anybody to try and denigrate, insult or defame.”

    Speaking further, he said, ‘’When people are talking and involving me in VDM’s post, am I VDM’s producer? Does he write what he wants to say to me for approval? This thing is surprising to me. In fact, I did not know that when he was going to do his video, he would ad the innuendos…that’s his style. He did not tell me he was going to do all that. Even if I tell him do not do it, he would have done it.”

    Recall, the respected lawyer had, in a recent interview, threatened to initiate civil proceedings in the high court should VeryDarkMan fail to apologize for his claims.