Court Strikes Out Falana’s N1bn Defàmation Suit Against Activist VDM

An Ikeja High Court on Tuesday struck out a defamation suit filed by human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) and his son, popular rapper Falz, against Instagram activist Martins Otse, popularly known as Verydarkman (VDM).

The suit stemmed from an alleged audio recording by cross-dresser Idris Okunneye, aka Bobrisky, which implied that Falana and his son were involved in per¥erting the course of justice. In response, VDM shared a video on social media commenting on the issue, prompting the Falanas to demand N500 million each in damages.

When the matter was called, none of the parties—Falana, his son, or VDM—were present in court.

However, VDM’s counsel, Niyi Alagbe, who held brief for Marvin Omorogbe, informed the court that an application for a stay of proceedings had been filed before Justice Fimisola Azeez.

Falana’s lawyer, Omotayo Olatunbosun, confirmed receiving the application late on Monday but argued that the preliminary objection listed for the day should proceed, claiming the new filing was intended to stall the case.

Justice Matthias Dawodu, however, noted that the application was not in the court’s file and questioned why the matter was before him when the substantive suit had already been transferred to another judge. He ruled that continuing the proceedings would be a mere academic exercise.

“Consequently, this suit is hereby struck out,” the judge declared. [CONTINUE READING HERE]>>>>>