Controversial social media commentator VeryDarkMan, also known as VDM, has firmly rejected calls to apologize to human rights lawyer Femi Falana and his son, musician Falz, following allegations of defamation. The dispute, which centers around a defamation lawsuit filed by the Falanas, is set to be heard at the Ikeja High Court in Lagos on Thursday, November 14, 2024. VDM stands accused of making defamatory statements about the prominent family, stemming from a leaked audio recording he shared in September.
The leaked audio, which went viral, features crossdresser Bobrisky making serious allegations against Falz and his father, claiming that they had attempted to arrange a “presidential pardon” for Bobrisky during his time in the Kirikiri Correctional Centre in exchange for a sum of N10 million. The claims, which were widely circulated on social media, have been strongly denied by both Falana and Falz, who have since demanded that VDM issue a public apology and retract his statements.
In response to the demands, VDM refused to comply with the Falanas’ request for an apology and retraction. Instead, he maintained that his intentions in sharing the recording were to expose what he considers widespread corruption within the Nigerian system. “I just arrived in Lagos for the Femi Falana case against me at the Ikeja High Court by 9:00 AM. I came to Lagos ahead of that,” VDM explained in a recent Instagram video. “As you all know, they (Falana and Falz) said I defamed them, but for me, it’s corruption that I exposed.”
According to VDM, the leaked audio was meant to highlight questionable actions related to the prison system and the handling of corruption cases by Nigerian authorities. “I see things that don’t make sense, like someone going to prison and not serving jail term or the EFCC, which is expected to catch people involved in corruption, collecting money,” he said. VDM’s assertion is that his video was a form of whistleblowing, aimed at drawing attention to corrupt practices, rather than an attack on the Falanas.
The Falanas, however, maintain that the allegations against them are false and defamatory, with Falz calling for VDM to publicly retract his statements. In a statement, they demanded that the controversial figure remove the video within 24 hours or face legal consequences. VDM’s refusal to apologize or retract his claims led the Lagos State High Court to intervene, ordering that the defamatory content be taken down ahead of the main court proceedings.
Despite the legal pressure, VDM has remained resolute. “That’s what I exposed. But sadly, some people, Falana and Falz, whose names were mentioned, said I should have informed them before posting such things about them,” VDM continued. “They asked me to apologize. I don’t see anything wrong with what I did, so I’m not apologizing to anybody. They should clear their name.”
The situation took a personal turn when VDM revealed that he had previously attempted to make amends by visiting Falana in person. “I have tried to respect them, but it didn’t work because I went to prostrate for Falana, yet they insisted that I must go and apologize,” he said. “Now it is time for the court hearing, and heaven won’t fall. Tomorrow, if I hear their names again, I will post it. I don’t fear anybody’s father. I don’t want a country where, when it is someone’s time, we should keep quiet.”
With the court hearing scheduled for November 14, VDM’s refusal to back down suggests that the legal battle between the commentator and the Falanas will intensify. As the case unfolds, it remains to be seen whether the court will force VDM to comply with the Falanas’ demands or if the social media influencer will continue to stand by his controversial stance.
