Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan on social media, has appealed a recent Lagos State High Court ruling that ordered him to remove alleged defamatory content about respected human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, and his son, well-known rapper Folarin “Falz” Falana.
Justice Matthias Dawodu’s ruling, issued on October 14, ordered VeryDarkMan to take down videos and comments he posted about Falana and Falz, which reportedly accuse them of conspiring with internet personality Idris Okuneye, known as Bobrisky, to obstruct justice. Additionally, Justice Dawodu prohibited VeryDarkMan from making further posts about the Falanas until the case is resolved.
On October 18, VeryDarkMan submitted a motion requesting extra time to appeal, arguing that the court’s decision relied solely on Falana’s affidavit. His legal team emphasized that he needs the court’s permission to appeal, as the ruling is an “interlocutory order” — a temporary order given while the main case remains active.
The influencer’s lawyer argued that the discretion to grant an appeal must be “judicially and judiciously” exercised. They claimed a denial could lead to an unfair outcome by enforcing a decision that might not reflect the correct application of the law.
“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,” VeryDarkMan’s legal team stated in their submission.
Legal practitioner Oladimeji Joseph, who supported VeryDarkMan’s motion with an affidavit, stressed that the court had highlighted the influencer’s inability to financially compensate the Falanas if they win the case. Joseph argued that this case involves significant legal issues and should be reviewed further.
According to Nigerian law, VeryDarkMan has 14 days from the ruling date to request permission from the court to file an appeal. The influencer’s request for this permission is now pending a decision.
