Falz’s legal team demands a retraction from VeryDarkMan for defamatory statements alleging Falz's involvement in Bobrisky’s bribery case. Read the full legal battle details.
In recent developments, popular social media influencer, Martins Vincent Otse, known as VeryDarkMan, has found himself embroiled in a legal dispute with renowned Nigerian rapper and activist, Folarin Falana, popularly known as Falz. This unfolding legal drama stems from allegations of defamation made by Falz’s legal team, following a post by VeryDarkMan on Instagram on September 25, 2024.
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Falz’s Legal Position
Falz’s legal representatives, led by Falana & Falana’s Chambers, issued a formal letter dated September 26, 2024, to VeryDarkMan. The letter accused VeryDarkMan of disseminating defamatory content that implicated Falz in alleged subversion of justice for personal gains. The publication allegedly suggested that Falz, along with his father, Femi Falana (SAN), conspired with controversial socialite Idris Okuneye (AKA Bobrisky) to manipulate the judicial process in Okuneye’s favor.
In the letter, Falz’s legal team categorically denied the accusations and demanded a public retraction of the defamatory statements. The letter emphasized that Falz had not initiated any conversation with Bobrisky, contrary to what was insinuated by VeryDarkMan. Moreover, Falz’s legal team argued that the claims had severely tarnished his reputation, portraying him as deceitful and lacking in integrity.
The legal team also stressed that their client’s human rights activism was being called into question, and they saw the publication as a deliberate attempt to lower him in the eyes of the public. Falz’s lawyers demanded an apology and an immediate withdrawal of the offensive post, threatening further legal action if their demands were not met.
VeryDarkMan’s Response
In response, VeryDarkMan, through his lawyer Deji Adeyanju, denied any intent to defame Femi Falana (SAN) or his son, Falz. Adeyanju’s letter emphasized that VeryDarkMan only posted the now-controversial content in an effort to bring the allegations made by Idris Okuneye to the attention of the relevant authorities. According to VeryDarkMan’s defense, the post aimed to initiate a thorough investigation into the claims made by Bobrisky in a voice recording that had surfaced.
Adeyanju further stated that some aspects of the voice recording had already been corroborated by Falz’s legal team in their letter, which added weight to the need for an investigation rather than a legal case for defamation. In his defense, VeryDarkMan’s lawyer highlighted that his client holds Femi Falana in high regard, acknowledging his reputation as a global advocate for human rights. Therefore, the post was never intended to defame or discredit the Falana family, but rather to encourage transparency and accountability in the matter.
The Voice Recording at the Center of the Dispute
The root of the legal tussle lies in a voice recording by Bobrisky, where he allegedly made far-reaching claims about a financial arrangement and his legal representation. Bobrisky suggested that he required financial assistance to pay off officials at a correctional center, implicating Falz in the process. This recording, combined with VeryDarkMan’s commentary, was enough to provoke a strong legal reaction from Falz’s team.
What’s Next?
As both sides stand firm, the legal battle between VeryDarkMan and Falz is far from over. Falz’s legal team appears set on pursuing further action unless an apology and retraction are issued. Meanwhile, VeryDarkMan’s camp believes that the proper resolution to the situation should be a multi-agency investigation into the allegations raised in the voice recording, rather than a defamation suit.
The case is poised to draw further attention as it involves two well-known public figures in Nigeria – one a prominent rapper and activist, the other a social media influencer known for his outspoken views on corruption and social justice issues. For now, the Nigerian public is watching closely to see how this legal saga unfolds. Will VeryDarkMan retract his statements, or will he push for an investigation that may reveal more than anticipated?
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