Social media activist, Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan has applied to the Lagos State high court for leave to appeal the ruling delivered by Justice Matthias Dawodu on October 14, 2024.
Gatekeepers News reports that the judge asked him to bring down the defamatory video and comments against Human Rights Activist and lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN and his son Folarin, popularly known as Falz.
VeryDarkMan posted online, a purported recorded conversation where the popular crossdresser turned transgender, Olanrewaju Idris Okuneye popularly known as Bobrisky said that they assisted her in dropping the money laundering charges.
Justice Dawodu had ruled that the online police stop further releasing, publishing, or circulating any defamatory videos and comments against the senior lawyer and his son on all his online social media handles and pages pending the hearing of a suit filed by the duo.
In two separate motions on notice filed before the court, Verydarkman sought an order from the court to extend the time to seek leave to appeal the court’s ruling.
VDM in the motion based on seven grounds and dated October 18, argued that the court order was based solely on the respondent’s affidavit and being an interlocutory order, the court’s permission to exercise his constitutional right to appeal is required.
The popular figure said while it is at the court’s discretion to grant or refuse leave to appeal, such discretion should be exercised judicially and judiciously.
VeryDarkMan added that a refusal by the court would amount to a miscarriage of justice, as the case involves significant legal questions that merit further review.
He said, “A refusal to grant leave may result in the enforcement of a decision that does not reflect a correct application of the law, leading to outcomes that may be detrimental not only to the parties involved but also to the administration of justice as a whole.”
“The appellate court’s role in clarifying and, where necessary, correcting trial court decisions is vital in maintaining the integrity of the judicial system.”
