Popular Nigerian activist and social media personality Martins Otse — better known as VeryDarkMan or VDM — is celebrating in the most unexpected way after a major legal victory. Following an Ikeja High Court's decision to strike out the ₦1 billion defamation lawsuit filed against him by human rights lawyer Femi Falana and his son rapper Falz, VDM took to Instagram with a gospel-infused celebration video that has since set the internet on fire.
What Happened in Court?
On Tuesday, Justice Matthias Dawodu of the Ikeja High Court struck out the defamation suit that Femi Falana and Folarin Falana — popularly known as Falz — had filed against VDM. The lawsuit had demanded a staggering ₦500 million each in damages from the activist, bringing the total claim to ₦1 billion.
In a turn that surprised many observers, none of the parties involved appeared in court on the day of the hearing. The defense counsel informed the court of a prior application for a stay of proceedings, and Justice Dawodu responded by striking out the case entirely — describing it as an academic exercise given that a related matter was already being handled by another judge.
The judge's words were clear and final:
"Consequently, this suit is hereby struck out."
For VDM and his supporters, it was a moment worth celebrating — and celebrate he did.
VDM's Spiritual Celebration Goes Viral
Shortly after the judgment, VDM wasted no time expressing his gratitude. He shared a video from inside his car alongside his friend Kokopee, and the energy in the clip was impossible to miss. Rather than gloating or firing shots at his opponents, VDM chose to go fully spiritual — praising God with genuine joy and relief as the gospel vibes filled the car.
The video spread rapidly across Instagram, X, and WhatsApp, with fans and followers joining in the celebration and applauding VDM for his reaction. Many noted that his choice to respond with worship rather than provocation showed a side of the activist that his critics rarely acknowledge.
Why Did Falana File the Lawsuit in the First Place?
To fully understand the significance of this court ruling, it is important to revisit what triggered the lawsuit in the first place. The defamation case stemmed from a viral audio note allegedly made by controversial crossdresser Bobrisky, which contained claims that hinted at misconduct by Femi Falana and his son Falz — specifically suggesting their possible involvement in obstructing justice.
VDM, who has built his platform on fearless commentary and social accountability, reacted to the audio with a video of his own on social media. That video commentary became the basis of the Falanas' defamation claim, with both father and son demanding ₦500 million each in damages for what they described as reputational harm.
The case attracted significant public attention given the high profiles of everyone involved — a respected senior advocate, one of Nigeria's most popular rappers, and one of social media's most outspoken voices.
What the Court's Decision Actually Means
It is important to note that the court striking out the case is not exactly the same as a full dismissal or a verdict in VDM's favour on the merits of the defamation claims. A case being struck out — particularly on procedural grounds — means it was removed from the court's cause list, often because of a technicality or because a related matter is already being addressed elsewhere.
In this instance, Justice Dawodu struck out the suit because a related case was already before another judge, making this particular proceeding redundant in the court's view. This means the door is not necessarily permanently closed on the matter — but for now, the legal pressure on VDM from this particular suit has been lifted.
For VDM's supporters, however, the result is a win — and in the court of public opinion, it has already been received as one.
What This Means for VDM Going Forward
This legal outcome further cements VDM's reputation as someone who refuses to be silenced by pressure — whether from powerful individuals, institutions, or courtrooms. Since rising to prominence as one of Nigeria's most vocal online activists, VDM has consistently attracted controversy for his willingness to call out public figures regardless of their status or influence.
The Falana lawsuit had been one of the most significant legal challenges he had faced, given the stature and resources of the claimants. Its dismissal — even on procedural grounds — will only embolden his supporters and reinforce his image as an activist who stands his ground.
Whether more legal battles lie ahead remains to be seen. But one thing is clear — VDM is not backing down, and his platform continues to grow with every controversy he survives.
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