As the Lagos State High Court prepares to hear a defamation case against social media critic VeryDarkMan, also known as VDM, the outspoken figure has refused to retract statements made against prominent Nigerian human rights lawyer Femi Falana and his son, musician Falz. The lawsuit, filed after VDM circulated a leaked audio clip implicating the Falanas in a controversial allegation, demands an apology and retraction of VDM’s claims.
The issue arose in September when VDM released an audio recording in which crossdresser Bobrisky alleged that both Falz and his father had sought to assist him while he was in prison in exchange for a fee to facilitate a “presidential pardon.” Following VDM’s post, Falana and Falz dismissed the claims as false, labeling them defamatory, and issued an ultimatum for an apology. When VDM declined, the Lagos court directed him to delete the post before a full hearing set for November 14, 2024.
In a video shared on social media, VDM stood by his actions, claiming that his intention was to expose corruption in the system and calling on the Falanas to clear their names. He explained, “I posted what I did to shine a light on issues, and I don’t see any reason to apologize. I respect them but will not back down.”
VDM further remarked, “If I see something again, I’ll post it. I’m not apologizing just to silence the truth,” signaling his commitment to advocacy, regardless of the legal implications.
