Crime

How Femi Falana’s Free Legal Help Saved Blogger VeryDarkMan from Defamation Charges

Published by admin on October 9th, 2024.

Prominent attorney Femi Falana (SAN), through his firm Falana & Falana Chambers, successfully secured bail for social media influencer Martins Vincent Otse, known as VeryDarkMan, following his arrest on June 30, 2024, as reported by SaharaReporters.

Falana’s chambers provided free legal services in the case against Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun, highlighting their commitment to protecting the rights of individuals in legal distress.

VeryDarkMan faced arrest for alleged criminal defamation related to a social media post. According to court documents (Charge No: FHC/ABJ/CR/149/2024), the 29-year-old is accused of cyberstalking Samuel Oguachuba, popularly known as Samklef, by posting threatening comments on Instagram that circulated widely.

The contentious post reportedly contained menacing remarks capable of instilling fear of violence or bodily harm toward Oguachuba. A source from Falana & Falana Chambers confirmed to SaharaReporters that the firm had never charged VeryDarkMan for their legal assistance, having devoted resources to ensure his defense.

The source added that Falana’s firm had intervened on two occasions without receiving any compensation, reaffirming their dedication to pro bono legal support for those in need. “Marshal Abubakar from Falana & Falana’s Chambers worked alongside Deji Adeyanju from Deji Adeyanju & Co. in Vincent Otse’s criminal trial,” the source noted.

On June 30, 2024, Otse was arrested again for a separate criminal defamation case, and the firm played a key role in securing his release. The Commissioner of Police for the Federal Capital Territory, Mr. Benneth Igwe, confirmed Otse’s release later that day.

Otse’s latest arrest was related to allegations he made about an individual accused of defrauding a Nigerian abroad.

The situation escalated after VeryDarkMan shared an audio clip online featuring cross-dresser Idris Okuneye, known as Bobrisky, in which Bobrisky allegedly confessed to bribing officials to avoid jail time. VeryDarkMan also claimed Falana sought a presidential pardon for Bobrisky in exchange for N10 million.

In response to these allegations, both Falana and his son, musician Folarin Falana (Falz), demanded a retraction and public apology from VeryDarkMan, characterizing his statements as harmful and reckless.

VeryDarkMan eventually apologized before the Nigerian House of Representatives, expressing regret for including Falana’s name in the controversy.

Court proceedings for Case FHC/ABJ/CR/149/2024 took place at the Federal High Court in Abuja, where the Inspector General of Police presented charges against VeryDarkMan. The counts included cyberstalking and defamation, relating to various false statements made against public figures.

Thanks to the efforts of Falana & Falana Chambers, Otse’s bail was secured,

leading to his release.