Olusegun Ariyo
A social media influencer Martins Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan, has applied to the Lagos High Court for leave to appeal the ruling delivered by Justice Matthias Dawodu on October 14, 2024, asking him to bring down the defamatory video and comments against Human Rights Activist, Femi Falana, SAN, and his son Folarin, popularly known as Falz.
The defamatory statements were made against them in a recorded conversation which alleged that they collected N10 million from the popular crossdresser, Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky, to pervert the course of justice.
Justice Dawodu, in that ruling, had also stopped the self-acclaimed social media police from 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.
In the motion, based on seven grounds and dated October 18, VeryDarkMan 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.
According to him, while it is at the court’s discretion to grant or refuse leave to appeal, such discretion should be exercised judicially and judiciously.
The social media influencer also stated that a refusal by the court would amount to a miscarriage of justice, as the case involves significant legal questions that merit further review.
“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,” he said.
