Social media influencer Martins Otse, popularly known as Verydarkman, has filed an application with the Lagos High Court seeking permission to appeal an October 14, 2024, ruling by Justice Matthias Dawodu. This ruling had ordered Verydarkman to remove allegedly defamatory videos and comments about Senior Advocate of Nigeria Femi Falana and his son, musician Folarin Falana, known as Falz. The controversial statements accused the Falanas of accepting N10 million from crossdresser Idris Okuneye (Bobrisky) to influence a legal outcome.

Justice Dawodu’s ruling also restrained Verydarkman from further posting or sharing defamatory content against the Falanas on his social media platforms while the case proceeds. In his latest application, dated October 18, Verydarkman asked the court to extend the time to seek leave for an appeal, arguing that the original order was based solely on the Falanas’ affidavit and that his constitutional right to appeal requires court approval due to the interlocutory nature of the order.

He contended that a refusal to grant leave to appeal would amount to a miscarriage of justice, stressing the importance of appellate courts in reviewing trial court decisions to uphold judicial integrity. His attorney, Oladimeji Joseph, further supported the motion, highlighting the need for court permission before proceeding with an appeal. Joseph noted that Verydarkman has 14 days from the ruling date to file for this leave and urged the court to grant the request to ensure a fair and thorough legal review of the case.