An Ikeja High Court has dismissed the defamation lawsuit. Filed by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, and his son, rapper Folarin Falana, popularly known as Falz, against Instagram personality Martins Otse, also known as Verydarkblackman (VDM).
The suit was filed after VDM shared a video on social media. Referencing an audio clip in which controversial figure Bobrisky accused the Falanas of obstructing justice. The Falanas had demanded N500 million each in damages, citing reputational harm caused by the post.
However, when the case came up for hearing on Tuesday, none of the involved parties were present in court. Counsel for the defendant, Mr. Niyi Alagbe, who appeared on behalf of lead counsel Mr. Marvin Omorogbe, informed the court of a pending application for a stay of proceedings already filed before Justice Fimisola Azeez.
In response, the Falanas’ legal representative, Mr. Omotayo Olatunbosun, acknowledged receiving the application a day before but urged the court to proceed with the preliminary objection already slated for hearing. He argued that the new application was a delay tactic meant to stall the proceedings.
Justice Matthias Dawodu, after reviewing the situation, noted that the application was not contained in the court file. He questioned why the matter remained before him when the substantive suit was already before another judge.
Describing further proceedings as a mere academic exercise, he ordered the case struck out.
“This suit is hereby struck out,” Justice Dawodu ruled.
The dismissal brings a pause to the ongoing legal battle between the Falanas and Verydarkblackman. Highlighting the need for clearer procedural coordination between parties and the courts in high-profile defamation cases.
