The ruling ordered VeryDarkMan to take down defamatory videos and comments targeting human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, and his son, Folarin, popularly known as Falz.
Social media influencer, Martins Otse, more commonly known as VeryDarkMan, has applied to the Lagos State High Court to appeal a ruling made by Justice Matthias Dawodu on October 14, 2024.
The ruling ordered VeryDarkMan to take down defamatory videos and comments targeting human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, and his son, Folarin, popularly known as Falz.
The controversy started with a recorded conversation where VeryDarkMan had claimed that Falana and Falz allegedly got involved with Idris Okuneye, aka Bobrisky, to obstruct justice.
Justice Dawodu had also prohibited VeryDarkMan from publishing or sharing any additional defamatory content about Falana and Falz on his social media platforms until the lawsuit initiated by the duo is resolved.
VeryDarkMan has filed two separate motions with the court, requesting an extension of time to secure permission to appeal the ruling.
He argued that the court’s decision was based solely on the respondent’s affidavit and that he needs the court’s permission to exercise his constitutional right to appeal.
According to Channels TV, in the motion, based on seven grounds and dated October 18, VeryDarkMan argued that “the court order was based solely on the respondent’s affidavit” and being an interlocutory order, the court’s permission to exercise his constitutional right to appeal is required.
The social media influencer through his lawyer contended that while “it is at the court’s discretion to grant or refuse leave to appeal, such discretion should be exercised judicially and judiciously.”
He also submitted that a refusal by the court would amount to a miscarriage of justice, as the case involves significant legal questions that merit further review.
He stated, “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.”
A legal practitioner, Oladimeji Joseph who deposed to an affidavit in support of the motion, stated that he is aware of the court’s specific findings regarding VeryDarkMan’s inability to compensate the claimant if the judgment goes against him, and therefore seeks to appeal the court’s ruling.
Joseph further stated, “I know for a fact that leave from this Honourable Court must be obtained before the Defendant can appeal against the ruling.
“The Defendant has 14 days from the date of the ruling within which he must seek the leave of this Honourable Court and file an appeal.”
He urged the court to grant the applicant’s request.
