In a landmark ruling on Tuesday, October 15, 2024, the Lagos State High Court ordered social media critic, Martin Otse, widely known by his online alias “VeryDarkMan,” to remove defamatory content he posted about renowned Nigerian lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) and his son, Folarin Falana, better known as Falz. Additionally, the court imposed a staggering N500 million fine on Otse for libel, making this a significant case in Nigeria’s legal history regarding online defamation.
The judgment was handed down by Justice M.O. Idowu in suit number ID/8584/GCM/2024, which centered on Otse’s slanderous statements and videos shared on his social media platforms. These posts, made on September 24, 2024, alleged a controversial connection between the Falana family and popular internet personality Bobrisky, claims which the court found to be both untrue and maliciously intended to damage the family’s public image.
The False Allegations and Their Impact
Otse’s posts connected Femi Falana, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and one of the country’s most respected human rights lawyers, and his son, Falz, a renowned rapper, actor, and activist, to Bobrisky, a highly polarizing figure in Nigerian society. Bobrisky is an internet personality known for his outspoken stance on gender issues and LGBTQ+ rights—topics that remain controversial in Nigeria’s socio-political landscape.
The court found that Otse’s comments were not only false but intentionally defamatory. Justice Idowu, in her ruling, pointed out that these claims were damaging to the reputation of both Femi Falana and his son. “The defamatory statements continue to trend on the defendant’s social media platforms, causing ongoing harm to the applicants’ reputation as long as the publications remain online,” Justice Idowu said. She ordered Otse to take down the offending content immediately to stop further harm to the Falanas’ reputations.
The judgment did not stop at demanding the removal of the defamatory material. In addition to the takedown, Otse was slapped with a N500 million fine—a penalty aimed at holding him accountable for his reckless actions and sending a strong message to others who might think of engaging in similar behavior online.
Background: Who Are the Falanas?
Femi Falana is a towering figure in Nigerian legal and political circles. With decades of legal activism and advocacy for civil rights, he has earned widespread respect both at home and abroad. Throughout his career, Falana has taken on some of the country’s most high-profile cases, consistently defending human rights and speaking out against injustices.
His son, Folarin Falana, or Falz, has followed in his father’s footsteps in more ways than one. Not only is he a lawyer, but he is also a celebrated musician, actor, and activist. Through his music and public platforms, Falz has made it a point to address societal and political issues affecting Nigeria, earning him a place in the hearts of many young Nigerians. Together, the Falana family represents a legacy of activism, legal integrity, and public service.
The Defamation Case: What Happened?
The incident that led to this legal battle began when Martin Otse, known as VeryDarkMan on social media, posted several derogatory comments and videos that implicated the Falanas in some sort of association with Bobrisky. Although Otse did not provide any substantial evidence to back up his claims, the content went viral on social media platforms, triggering widespread conversation and speculation.
The Falanas, known for their clean and honorable public images, immediately recognized the potential damage these false claims could do. Bobrisky, while popular among some, is a controversial figure due to his bold stances on gender identity and LGBTQ+ issues in a largely conservative Nigerian society. Being linked to such a figure could have significant reputational consequences, especially for public personalities like the Falanas, who have long upheld their image as champions of social justice and moral integrity.
Feeling that their reputations were under direct attack, Femi and Falz quickly took legal action. They filed a lawsuit accusing VeryDarkMan of defamation, arguing that Otse’s statements were made without any factual basis and were designed to harm their standing in society.
After hearing the case, Justice Idowu ruled that the allegations made by Otse were, indeed, defamatory. The court found that Otse knew the claims were false but still proceeded to publish them with malicious intent. As a result, the court ruled in favor of the Falanas, ordering Otse to retract his statements and pay the substantial sum of N500 million as damages for libel.
The Significance of This Case in the Digital Age
This case serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of reckless online behavior, especially when it comes to making unfounded accusations about public figures. In the age of social media, where rumors and false information can spread like wildfire, this ruling sends a strong message that individuals can and will be held accountable for defamatory statements made online.
Social media has transformed the way people communicate and interact, but it has also created new avenues for misinformation and defamation. High-profile individuals like Femi Falana and Falz are not immune to such attacks, but the legal system remains a powerful tool for safeguarding reputations.
The N500 million fine imposed on Otse underscores the potential legal and financial consequences of defamation, especially when it involves well-known figures. For the Falana family, the ruling is a victory in their ongoing efforts to protect their public image and maintain their legacy of integrity.
This case will likely be remembered as a pivotal moment in Nigerian law, marking a significant step forward in the protection of individuals’ reputations in the digital age. It also highlights the growing legal recognition of the serious impact that online defamation can have, particularly in a country where social media is increasingly shaping public opinion.
