A Lagos High Court has directed social media influencer Martins Otse, popularly known as Verydarkman, to pay N200,000 to human rights lawyer Femi Falana and his son, musician Folarin Falana (Falz), over a defamation lawsuit.
The fine was issued after Otse filed an appeal that delayed the legal process. Justice F. A. Azeez dismissed his preliminary objections and ordered him to proceed with responding to the allegations.
The lawsuit, which demands N1 billion in damages, was filed after Otse posted a video on Instagram on September 24, 2024, which the Falanas claim harmed their reputations.
They are also seeking a public apology, an end to the alleged defamatory statements, and N500 million each in compensation.
