VeryDarkMan Issues Apology to Femi Falana, Retracts Statements in Social Media

Nigerian activist and social media influencer Martins Vincent Otse, known as VeryDarkMan, has publicly apologized and retracted statements perceived as defamatory towards human rights lawyer Femi Falana. The controversy began when VeryDarkMan released an audio recording in which Bobrisky, the famous Nigerian crossdresser, allegedly implicated Falana in dealings with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) during his prosecution for money laundering.

The release of this audio stirred considerable debate on social media, prompting Falana’s legal team to accuse VeryDarkMan of defamation and demand a formal retraction. They also hinted at potential legal consequences if their demands were not met.

In response, VeryDarkMan posted a video statement on Instagram, explaining that he did not intend to defame Falana and only reacted to Bobrisky’s claims in the audio. He expressed respect for the lawyer, stating, “I never defamed and will never defame Femi Falana. I only reacted to the call Bobrisky made, which included allegations against Femi Falana. I choose not to believe Femi Falana would be associated with that, and if so, I would be disappointed.”

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DAWwqm3MURf/?igsh=aG8xMzBtbmljNTJi

This apology and retraction highlight the broader complexities of social media influence and the legal responsibilities influencers must navigate, especially when discussing sensitive topics involving public figures. The incident underscores the potential legal implications of posts made in the heat of controversy and the rapid spread of information in the digital age.