₦airaland Forum

How Renowned Lawyer Falana's Free Legal Aid Saved Blogger VeryDarkMan From Criminal Defamation Charges Revealed

Renowned lawyer, Mr Femi Falana (SAN) through Falana & Falana Chambers, secured bail for social media influencer and blogger Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, following his arrest on June 30, 2024, SaharaReporters has learnt.

The chambers provided pro bono legal services in the case against the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, which demonstrated their commitment to defending the rights of individuals facing legal challenges.

VeryDarkMan was arrested for alleged criminal defamation stemming from a social media post.

According to court documents regarding the case (Charge No: FHC/ABJ/CR/149/2024), the 29-year-old is accused of cyberstalking Samuel Oguachuba, best known as Samklef, by posting threatening comments on his Instagram handle, which were widely viewed and circulated online.

The post reportedly included intimidating remarks that could instill fear of violence or bodily harm on Oguachuba.

BREAKING: Nigerian Blogger VeryDarkMan Remanded In Custody Over Comments Against Senior Police Officers
May 22, 2024
A source from the Femi & Falana Chambers told SaharaReporters that the firm has never charged VeryDarkMan for their legal assistance, having expended resources to ensure his defence.

The source added that the law firm has intervened on behalf of VeryDarkMan on two occasions without collecting a dime from him, reaffirming its commitment to providing pro bono legal support to those in need.

“Marshal Abubakar of Falana & Falana’s Chambers led Deji Adeyanju of Deji Adeyanju & Co. in Vincent Otse's criminal trial in charge no FHC/ABJ/CR/149/2024 between IGP and Martin Vincent Otse. Falana helped to secure and perfect his bail pro bono,” the source said.

“On Sunday, June 30, 2024, Vincent Otse was arrested again over another case of criminal defamation and our firm was actively involved in securing his release from police custody pro bono. Our firm has never charged nor taken a kobo from the defendant for any of these cases but have expended resources for his assistance pro bono.”

Regarding the June 30 arrest, SaharaReporters had reported how the police arrested the blogger and released him later that day.

The Commissioner of Police in charge of the Federal Capital Territory Police Command, Mr Benneth Igwe, had confirmed his release that evening.

His lawyer, Mr Adeyanju, earlier disclosed that his client had again been arrested, adding that VeryDarkMan was apprehended for exposing someone who allegedly duped a Nigerian abroad.

BACKGROUND

There is an ongoing controversy stemming from an audio of cross-dresser, Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, shared online by VeryDarkMan in which Bobrisky confessed to serving his jail term outside the prison facility.

In the audio, Bobrisky claimed she bribed some Economic and Financial Crimes Commission officials with N15 million to drop the money laundering charge against her.

The crossdresser also claimed that her ‘godfather,’ alongside the Controller-General of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Haliru Nababa, ensured she served her six-month sentence for abusing the naira in a private apartment and not in prison.

VeryDarkMan also alleged that Falana sought a presidential pardon for Bobrisky in exchange for N10 million.

The recent spate of allegations levelled accusations of bribery and corruption against Falana and his musician son, Folarin Falana, better known as Falz.

The Senior Advocate of Nigeria had swiftly given VeryDarkMan 24 hours to “retract his offensive and derogatory publication,” against him and issue a public apology while Falz, in a separate letter, also demanded the same things.

In separate letters from the Falanas’ counsel, Taiwo E. Olawanle, VeryDarkMan was given 24 hours to retract his statements and issue a public apology.

Olawanle characterised VeryDarkMan's statements as "a vicious, wicked, and reckless ploy" designed to tarnish Falana's reputation among the public.

However, VeryDarkMan recently tendered an apology to Falana when he appeared before the Nigerian House of Representatives.

He said, “Apparently, now, some people are taking advantage of what is going to target Femi Falana.

“Here, I apologise. It’s so sad that his name was inside that audio. I couldn’t believe as well; that is the part that irritated me more when I said I refuse to believe that he is a party to something like that.”

Meanwhile, it was learnt that the court proceedings for Case FHC/ABJ/CR/149/2024 against VeryDarkMan in which Falana intervened through one of his chambers’ lawyers, Marshal Abubakar, took place at the Federal High Court in Abuja, where the Inspector General of Police presented the charges against VeryDarkMan.

The counts are as follows:

COUNT 1: "That you MARTINS VINCENT OTSE (A.K.A. VERY DARKBLACKMANG 'M', 29 YRS of Supreme Court Estate Karu, Abuja, on or about 13th October, 2023 in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja Within the Jurisdiction of this Honourable Court knowingly and intentionally published via a video posted on your Instagram handle 'verydarkblackman', (aka verydarkblackman) wherein in the following threatening and bullying words, to harass Mr. Samuel Oguachuba "Davido supposed find am chop him father They supposed catch am chop am. God help you say I no dey, if to say na Nigeria na me for go find you but as no be Nigeria and US no gree give me visa, so I go cool down first...' the said publication which you know or had reason to believe where meant to threaten and bully or put the said Mr. Samuel Oguachuba in fear of death, violence or bodily harm has been circulated online to many platforms and viewed by many and you thereby committed the offence of Cyberstalking contrary to and punishable under Section 24 (2)(a) of the Cybercrime (prohibition, prevention, etc) ACT, 2015.

COUNT 2: "That you Martins Vincent Otse (A.K.A. VERYDARKBLACKMAN) 'M', 29 YRS of Supreme Court Estate Karu, Abuja on or about 29 October, 2023, in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court knowingly and intentionally posted videos, by means of computer system on your Instagram handles 'verydarkblackman', which video contained information that is grossly offensive, pornographic or of an indecent, obscene or menacing character wherein you stated that one lyabo Ojo is having indecent sexual relationship with her daughter knowing or having reasons to believe that the information in the video you posted on your Instagram handle is false and you thereby committed the offence of Cyberstalking contrary to and punishable under section 24 (1)(a) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) ACT, 2015.

COUNT 3: "That you Martins Vincent Otse (A.K.A. VERYDARKBLACKMAN) 'M', 29 YRS of Supreme Court Estate Karu, Abuja on or about 19th January, 2024, in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court knowingly and intentionally posted videos, by means of computer system on your Instagram handles 'verydarkblackman' containing information you know or had reasons believe to be false, wherein in the video you falsely published that King Tonto Dikeh is accused of criminal conversion of the proceeds of crowd funding for Justice for Mohbad Movement, and being the person behind the gistlover blog, for the purpose of causing annoyance, inconvenience, danger, obstruction, insult, injury, criminal intimidation, enmity, hatred, ill will or needless anxiety to the person of the said King Tonto Dike and you thereby committed the offence of Cyberstalking contrary to and punishable under section 24 (1)(b) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) ACT, 2015.

COUNT 4: "That you Martins Vincent Otse (A.K.A. VERYDARKBLACKMAN) M', 29 YRS of Supreme Court Estate Karu, Abuja on or about 19% March, 2024, in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court knowingly and intentionally posted videos, by means of computer system on your Instagram handle 'verydarkblackman containing information which you know or had reasons to believe to be false, wherein you stated the following, 'I put it to you say the DIGs of the Police dem dey knack Bobrisky. The senators for senate house dey knack Bobrisky...I dare the Nigeria Police, I said what I said, the DIGs are knacking him, the Law makers, the Senate are knacking him in the National Assembly which statement you made for the purpose of causing annoyance, inconvenience, danger, insult, injury, criminal intimidation. enmity, hatred, ill will or needless anxiety to the persons of the DIGs of the Nigeria Police Force and members of the National Assembly and you thereby committed the offence of Cyberstalking contrary to and punishable under section 24 (1)(b) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) ACT 2015

COUNT 5: "That at you Martins Vincent Otse (A.K.A. VERYDARKBLACKMAN) M', 29 YRS of Supreme Court Estate Karu, Abuja on or about 19% March, 2024, in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja within the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court knowingly and intentionally posted videos, by means of computer system on your Instagram handles 'verydarkblackman containing information you know or had reasons to believe to be false, wherein you stated that Bobrisky is pimping young boys for Senators and Senior Police Officers to sleep with, which statement you made for the purpose of causing annoyance, inconvenience, danger, insult, maury criminal intimidation, enmity, hatred, ill will or needless anxiety to DGs of police and other police officers and Members of the National Assembly and you thereby committed the offence of Cyberstalking contrary to and punishable under section 24 (1)(b) of the Cybercrime (Prohibition, Prevention, etc) ACT. 2015.

"With the legal support from Falana & Falana’s Chambers, Otse's bail was perfected and he was released," the source said.

[color=orange]SaharaReporters[/color]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZVp7alkZ44?si=6wZKUULkyGrufW9s

Falana is just seeking cheap popularity.

He should go and read the book of Ecclesiastes. Nothing new under the sun

A very ungrateful anyhow fellow....opens that gutter of a mouth to defame people at the slightest opportunity of a ring light and camera... Seize his ring lights...

Meanwhile Supreme Court Estate is his residence Addy. Now exposed.

OLAADEGBU:
■ Renowned lawyer, Mr Femi Falana (SAN) through Falana & Falana Chambers, secured bail for social media influencer and blogger Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, following his arrest on June 30, 2024, SaharaReporters has learnt.
The chambers provided pro bono legal services in the case against the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, which demonstrated their commitment to defending the rights of individuals facing legal challenges.
VeryDarkMan was arrested for alleged criminal defamation stemming from a social media post.
According to court documents regarding the case (Charge No: FHC/ABJ/CR/149/2024), the 29-year-old is accused of cyberstalking Samuel Oguachuba, best known as Samklef, by posting threatening comments on his Instagram handle, which were widely viewed and circulated online.
The post reportedly included intimidating remarks that could instill fear of violence or bodily harm on Oguachuba.

We pretty much got this gist from the very first video where VDM released the first audio recording. We learned from there that there existed a previous relationship between VDM and the Falana group. Why VDM should not have released the video because the name [i]Falana [/i]was mentioned on it is what we still don't understand.

Kewtt:
A very ungrateful anyhow fellow....opens that gutter of a mouth to defame people at the slightest opportunity of a ring light and camera... Seize his ring lights...

Ur name sounds like kiwi

Did you know what defamation is?

He played a tape and the names were mentioned and he said ... I hope and don't believe that falana can be involved with such...

Kobojunkie:
We pretty much got this gist from the very first video where VDM released the first audio recording. We learned from there that there existed a previous relationship between VDM and the Falana group. Why VDM should not have released the video because the name [i]Falana [/i]was mentioned on it is what we still don't understand.

Releasing the tape wasn't the issue. But his own innuendoes and inferences. He talks too much to have any sense

Kewtt:
■ Releasing the tape wasn't the issue. But his own innuendoes and inferences. He talks too much to have any sense

Then why all this meaningless talk when he can simply sue VDM and let the courts handle it all? All this, "I bathed VDM when he was a baby," talk is not making Falana look good at all. If anything, it makes him seem like he is desperate to distract us all from the main issue raised in the recordings which is the problem with the EFCC and the Nigerian prisons, a problem that has managed to keep many rich out of prison and many thousands of poor Nigeria stuck in the Nigerian prisons with no hope of ever getting out.

CyberCrimes(Prohibition, Prevention, ETC) Act 2015 with Amendment Act 2024, section 24

Hmmm. I hope he has learnt his lessons.

Nice development!!!
But can he also do something to save men who married non-virgins aka boreholes from paternity fraud? Men are harboring and training children who aren't theirs and it's sad.
Pls Mr Falana, come to the aid of these men wey marry non-virgins aka boreholes.
What do I even know sef aside enlightening my fellow men nationwide with the good news

Oga if you no meet your wife as a virgin, oga go for DNA test oooooo because boreholes aka non-virgins can't be trusted atall atall

VDM should understand that though Nigeria might be largely lawless but

If person get your time, you go hear am.

Court of Public Opinion means nothing. Na the main Court matter.

All those useless "fans" cheering you on Instagram will flee for the hills at the first sign of trouble.

Most of the idiots did their EndSARS and Justice4Mohbad online. Simply to join bandwagon.

OLAADEGBU:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZVp7alkZ44?si=6wZKUULkyGrufW9s

So you guys want VDM not to release video becos the name prominent in the recording is someone whom he had received free legal from in previous encounter with govt. Na why corruption plenty for Nigeria till tomorrow

Emotional blackmail .

Remind us how you bath him too 😜 so he'll stop asking y'all involved to clear ur name

Kobojunkie:
Then why all this meaningless talk when he can simply sue VDM and let the courts handle it all? All this, "I bathed VDM when he was a baby," talk is not making Falana look good at all. If anything, it makes him seem like he is desperate to distract us all from the main issue raised in the recordings which is the problem with the EFCC and the Nigerian prisons, a problem that has managed to keep many rich out of prison and many thousands of poor Nigeria stuck in the Nigerian prisons with no hope of ever getting out.

CyberCrimes(Prohibition, Prevention, ETC) Act 2015 with Amendment Act 2024, section 24

Ororo dey ur head

MartinCorridon:
Ask my ashaw0 mother nah.

Make I ask your Ashawo mother wetin

How much for short time??

Nigerians country!

You can always twist the narrative when you have money!

In saner climes, that call would have been validated and culprits would have been arrested.

Damnnn niggar

Isoright

This is a very informative post.

VDM should face the politicians and expose real criminals, I don't know why he chose to face bobrisky when we all knew more than 50% of Nigerians spray money and move away with it. It's not as if risky killed people and was granted presidential pardon from the backdoor. Just seeking cheap popularity and many jobless youth will put it on their head like gala

Salewa97:
Falana is just seeking cheap popularity.

He should go and read the book of Ecclesiastes. Nothing new under the sun

Falana seeking cheap popularity ke? When were you born? Some of you Gen Z really have nothing much upstairs! 😂😂😂

Falana is so popular as a lawyer that his name is an adage in Yoruba language. Ask any elderly Yoruba person the origin of the adage "Falana ran ti e, tara eni laa ka ran".

While I like what VDM does, he clearly overstepped his boundaries and this case has proven he has a proud heart. He needs to come out and tender and unreserved apology, but instead he's using word play to justify his ignorance.

Vg

santaclaws:
■ Falana seeking cheap popularity ke? When were you born? Some of you Gen Z really have nothing much upstairs! 😂😂😂
Falana is so popular as a lawyer that his name is an adage in Yoruba language. Ask any elderly Yoruba person the origin of "Falana ran ti e, tara eni laa ka ran".
While I like what VDM does, he clearly overstepped his boundaries and this case has proven he has a proud heart. He needs to come and tender and unreserved apology, but instead he's using word play to justify his ignorance.

All this is because this na Nigeria where lawlessness abounds. If say na a place like America or the UK this thing happens for, you for dey demand this of VDM at this point?

Nigerians and their Nigeria-mindedness —steeped in lawlessness— is in part what keeps Nigeria the way it is. In other climes, Falana would have been told by all to go sue already or shove it. But because Nigerians don't know their right from their left in Nigeria in Nigeria, coupled with the fact that many like to keep Nigeria the way it is, folks such as yourself demand things remain the same there, an uncivilized and lawless jungle.

MartinCorridon:


VDM should understand that though Nigeria might be largely lawless but

If person get your time, you go hear am.

Court of Public Opinion means nothing. Na the main Court matter.

All those useless "fans" cheering you on Instagram will flee for the hills at the first sign of trouble.

Most of the idiots did their EndSARS and Justice4Mohbad online. Simply to join bandwagon.

This is why Nigeria can never succeed

I seriously PITY any fool that will die for this country in the name of patriotism
A country with useless cowards that can't fight back corruption. Bunch of spineless fools

When Nigerian corruption finally affect your family. Na when u go pray to God

God doesn't help foolish people like you

Femi Falana is a hero.

Salewa97:
Falana is just seeking cheap popularity.

He should go and read the book of Ecclesiastes. Nothing new under the sun

Very easy to spot people who don't read content.

Kobojunkie:
All this is because this na Nigeria where lawlessness abounds. If say na a place like America or the UK this thing happen for, you for dey demand this of VDM at this point in time?

Where is the lawlessness? Lawlessness by whom?
Bobrisky's tape isn't even an evidence because he could have been lying about a lot of the things he said just for clout!

This is someone who called Falz to BEG for money, same Bobrisky who claimed to own a mansion and it was discovered to be a lie...

May your "smartness and wokeness" not lead you to prison... Na una go send that VDM to jail las las! Baba Falana is already receiving death threats claiming they'd kill his family if he sues VDM, but I know some of you have no elders at home...

Kewtt:
A very ungrateful anyhow fellow....opens that gutter of a mouth to defame people at the slightest opportunity of a ring light and camera... Seize his ring lights...

Your comment goes on to show how shallow minded you can be. You need to understand that that case is not about Femi Falana(SAN) but about the corruption inside EFCC and the prison service. And by the way why is he not calling out Bobrisky?

KnowledgePower7:
KnowledgePower7 to his useless homosexual father and his spermbank wh0re mother
This is why Nigeria can never succeed

I seriously PITY any fool that will die for this country in the name of patriotism
A country with useless cowards that can't fight back corruption. Bunch of spineless fools

When Nigerian corruption finally affect your family. Na when u go pray to God

God doesn't help foolish people like you

What God has already done for me, your entire lineage past, present and future COMBINED dream of.

All your curses will multiply by a trillion-fold and never leave you and your future generations.

Your poverty and frustrations never start.

See your threads. the people that cursed you are rolling in success.

santaclaws:
■Where is the lawlessness? Lawlessness by whom? Bobrisky's tape isn't even an evidence because he could have beem lying about a lot of the things he said.
■This is someone who called Falz to BEG for money, same Bobrisky who claimed to own a mansion and it was discovered to be a lie... May your "smartness and wokeness" not lead you to prison... Na una go send that VDM to jail las las!

You already carried out forensic investigation and double-checked all the details exposed on the audio from right behind your phone to know that the tape cannot be admitted as evidence? The House of Reps and ministers who all thought otherwise and even called for an investigation are all fools next to your investigative skills, abi?

2. Falz's account is more credible because Falz said it, abi? No court or jury needs to hear the case because you already have it in the bag, abi?

Oboy, you are an example of a typical Nigeria, and I am not in the mood to waste my time today. Please waka pass me!

Hangulsaram:
Your comment goes on to show how shallow minded you can be. You need to understand that that case is not about Femi Falana(SAN) but about the corruption inside EFCC and the prison service. And by the way why is he not calling out Bobrisky?

Are you aware there was a business deal gone wrong between vdm and bob?

Kobojunkie:
You already carried out forensic investigation and double-checked all the details exposed on the audio from right behind your phone to know that the tape cannot be admitted as evidence? The House of Reps and ministers who all thought otherwise and even called for an investigation are all fools next to your investigative skills, abi?

2. Falz's account is more credible because Falz said it, abi? No court or jury needs to hear the case because you already have it in the bag, abi?

Oboy, you are an example of a typical Nigeria, and I am not in the mood to waste my time today. Please waka pass me!

With your response, you clearly lack reading comprehension and basic understanding.

It's a better use of time to debate a kindergartner than to engage you...

You may keep talking to yourself now.

santaclaws:
With your response, you clearly lack reading comprehension and basic understanding.

It's a better use of time to debate a kindergartner than to engage you...

You may keep talking to yourself now.

Leave them alone sir.