The hearing of defamation suit filed by prominent Nigerian lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), and his son, popular musician and lawyer, Folarin Falana, known as Falz against controversial online activist Vincent Otse, widely known as Very Dark Man (VDM) has been reserved for January 23, 2025.
At Thursday’s proceedings, counsel for the claimants, Mr. Muiz Banire (SAN), stated the court that the originating process had been filed and served to all parties involved. He also noted that a motion on notice was served on October 25.
While Justice Matthias Dawodu observed that the originating process was not properly before the court, Banire prayed the court for an adjournment to allow the claimants’ legal team to file the necessary administrative processes.
Responding, VDM’s counsel, Mr. Marvin Omorogbe, pointed out the absence of a valid writ of summons before the court, and thus, urged the judge to strike out the lawsuit, stating that the writ filed was invalid as it was not before the court.
Omorogbe further explained that the writ shared the same suit number as the preemptive remedy proceedings, which had already concluded.
The defense counsel contended that a fresh writ with a new suit number was required, in line with the court’s earlier directive.
Omorogbe also requested the withdrawal of a motion dated October 18, which was part of an appeal related to the preemptive proceedings.
Justice Dawodu, after hearing both sides, struck out the motion without objections from the claimants’ counsel.
He then adjourned the case to January 23, 2025, for the hearing of the preliminary objections, emphasizing that the court was currently dealing with an invalid writ.
The case, which centers on allegations of defamation, will continue at the next hearing.
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