Social media influencer Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, has moved to challenge a recent Lagos High Court ruling requiring him to take down allegedly defamatory content about Human Rights Activist Femi Falana, SAN, and his son, musician Folarin “Falz” Falana. On October 14.
Justice Matthias Dawodu ordered Otse to remove videos and comments claiming the Falanas accepted N10 million from crossdresser Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky, to manipulate a legal case.
Otse has filed motions seeking to appeal the court’s ruling, arguing that the decision to prohibit him from posting or circulating similar content about the Falanas was made based solely on the plaintiffs’ affidavit.
VeryDarkMan’s legal team is requesting an extension of time to appeal and is questioning the ruling’s basis, describing it as an interlocutory order that merits further legal examination.
The influencer contends that the court’s refusal to grant an appeal could lead to an unjust outcome, especially as he believes the case raises essential legal issues warranting review.
In his appeal request, Otse emphasized that “A refusal to grant leave may result in the enforcement of a decision that does not reflect a correct application of the law, leading to outcomes that may be detrimental not only to the parties involved but also to the administration of justice as a whole.
“The appellate court’s role in clarifying and, where necessary, correcting trial court decisions is vital in maintaining the integrity of the judicial system.”
