Martins Otse, a social media influencer known as Verydarkman, has filed an appeal against a recent court ruling. Justice Matthias Dawodu of the Lagos High Court ordered Otse to remove a defamatory video and comments targeting Senior Advocate of Nigeria Femi Falana and his son, Folarin Falana (popularly known as Falz).
The controversial video and comments accused Falana and his son of accepting a N10 million bribe from the popular crossdresser, Idris Okuneye (Bobrisky), to influence a legal case.
Justice Dawodu’s ruling also restrained Otse from further releasing, publishing, or circulating any defamatory videos and comments against the senior lawyer and his son on all his social media handles and pages, pending the hearing of a suit filed by the duo.
In two motions filed before the court, Verydarkman sought an order to extend the time to seek leave to appeal the court’s ruling. In his motion, dated October 18, he argued that “the court order was based solely on the respondent’s affidavit” and, as an interlocutory order, requires the court’s permission to appeal.
He contended that the court should exercise discretion judicially, adding that a refusal would amount to a miscarriage of justice, as the case involves significant legal questions that merit review.
Verydarkman 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 detrimental not only to the parties involved but also to the administration of justice.”
A legal practitioner, Oladimeji Joseph, supporting 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, thus seeking to appeal the ruling. He added, “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.
