Justice Matthias Dawodu Strikes Out Femi Falana’s N1bn Defamation Suit Against VDM

A Lagos High Court sitting in Ikeja has struck out the defamation suit filed by the Falanas against VeryDarkMan (VDM). Recall that the the Falanas had dragged the defendant before the court in separate suits, claiming N500 million each as damages over a video he posted on his social media platforms alleging that they collected N10 million from Bobrisky to pervert the cause of justice.

However, when the case was called on Tuesday, April 15, Falana, his son and VDM were all absent in court, and counsel for the respondent, Niyi Alagbe eventually informed the court that he had earlier filed an application for stay of proceeding before Justice Fimisola Azeez.

Counsel for the Falanas, Omotayo Olatunbosun responded by informing the court that he indeed received the said application on Monday about 4:15 p.m, but since the case was already ripe for hearing, it was only meant to prolong matters.

Justice Matthias Dawodu added that the application in question was not in the file and wondered why he was being disturbed with the case when the substantive suit was before another court.

His words, “Consequently, this suit is hereby struck out.”

WOW.

Bobrisky is a Nigerian internet personality and philanthropist who is known as a prominent transgender woman in Nigeria, a country with no LGBT rights. She is also known for her presence on the social media app Snapchat.

Born Okuneye Idris Olarenwaju in 1992, Bobrisky completed her secondary school education at King’s College, Lagos. She also attended graduate school at the University of Lagos (UNILAG).

She became recognized by being highly controversial on social media for the ultra conservative Nigerian standards. Bobrisky was able to gather traffic to her Snapchat account when she claimed she had a lover who is assumed to be of masculine gender despite the law in Nigeria stating that same sex relationships is an offence punishable by serving 14 years in a penitentiary.

Bobrisky has a fair share of fans and has been asked by certain event planners to give speeches at their events. In 2019, Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, Director General of Nigeria’s National Council for Arts and Culture, called Bobrisky “a national disgrace” and said she would be “dealt with ruthlessly” if caught on the streets.