Social Media Personality Faces Defamation Allegations

Social media personality Martins Vincent Otse, widely recognized as Verydarkman, has recently come into the spotlight for denying allegations of defamation directed at Femi Falana, a notable human rights lawyer. The allegations stem from accusations made in a voice recording involving the crossdresser known as Bobrisky and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). These allegations also implicated Nigerian rapper Falz and his father, Mr. Falana.

The controversy arose when Falz reportedly threatened legal action against Verydarkman. In response, Verydarkman’s solicitor, Deji Adeyanju, issued a formal statement. “Our client denies defaming Mr. Femi Falana, SAN,” the letter read, emphasizing that Verydarkman’s publication was intended to highlight the need for an investigation into the allegations made by Bobrisky rather than malign Falana’s reputation.

In a letter addressed to Falana’s legal representatives, Verydarkman’s team asserted that the publication’s intent was to instigate relevant authorities to explore the depth of the claims in the voice recording, thereby prioritizing investigation over defamation claims. “Our client holds Mr. Femi Falana, SAN in very high esteem,” Adeyanju noted, “recognizes his commitment to human rights, and believes an interagency investigation is the correct path forward.”

Falana, through his legal team at Falana & Falana’s Chambers, categorically refuted the claims presented by Verydarkman. Prompted by an Instagram post alleging that Falana engaged Bobrisky in conversations to “divert justice” and attempted to procure a presidential pardon for Bobrisky in exchange for a bribe of N10 million, Falana’s legal counsel described the allegations as baseless and defamatory.

Taiwo E. Olawanle, Esq., representing Falana, demanded an immediate retraction and public apology from Verydarkman on all platforms where the statements were disseminated. The legal team issued an ultimatum, threatening legal consequences if their demands were not met within 24 hours. The letter emphasized Falana’s unblemished reputation and his historical fight against corruption.

“Your publication contained several allegations, urging viewers to question Mr. Falana’s integrity,” the letter claimed. Among these were accusations that Falana solicited a pardon for Bobrisky, contravening legal protocols, and undermining his public standing as a transparent and honest legal practitioner in Nigeria.