The Lagos High Court in Ikeja has scheduled February 19, 2025, to hear the defamation suit filed by renowned human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) and his son, Falz, against VeryDarkMan (VDM).The suit, which demands ₦1 billion in damages, alleges that VDM's Instagram publication on September 24, 2024, contained unverified allegations that injured their reputations.
According to PUNCH The Falanas claim that VDM's video alleged they collected ₦10 million from Idris Okuneye (Bobrisky) to manipulate justice, which they vehemently deny. They argue that the publication remains online and continues to harm them, despite their efforts to have it taken down.
VDM, on the other hand, has filed a preliminary objection challenging the competence of the suit and the court's jurisdiction to entertain the case. His lawyer, Marvin Omorogbe, argued that the Lagos court lacks territorial jurisdiction since VDM resides and operates in Abuja, where the alleged publication was also made.
The Falanas, however, insist that the Lagos court has jurisdiction over the matter, as the alleged defamatory publication was accessed and downloaded in Lagos. They also refuted claims made in the video, stating that Bobrisky never mentioned paying ₦10 million to them in the referenced audio recording.
The case has been ongoing since October 2024, when Justice Matthias Dawodu ordered VDM to take down the alleged defamatory video and restrained him from further publishing similar content pending the hearing of the suit. The case continues on February 19, 2025, with the court set to hear VDM's preliminary objection and the Falanas' response.