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Defamation: Court dismisses VeryDarkMan’s objection against Falana, Falz’s N1bn

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By Francesca Hangeior
 
A Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja has struck out the preliminary objection in the defamation suit filed by human rights lawyer Femi Falana, (SAN), and his son, popular musician Folarin Falana, also known as Falz, against social media personality Vincent Otse, popularly called VeryDarkMan.

Justice Mathias Dawoodu struck out the suit following his discovery that the substantive suit was already before another court, rendering further proceedings before him unnecessary.

Neither the Falanas nor Otse was present at the hearing. However, counsel to the defendant, N.O. Alagbe, appearing on behalf of lead counsel Marvin Omorogbe, informed the court that an application dated April 11, 2025, and filed on April 14, 2025, had been brought to stay proceedings, pending judgment by Justice Azeez in a parallel matter.

Justice Dawoodu responded that the said application was not before his court and questioned why he was being troubled with the matter when the substantive suit was already before another court.

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Counsel to the Falanas, Omotayo Olatunbosun, told the court that although he received the application at 4:15 pm late on Monday afternoon, the preliminary objection was properly scheduled and ready for hearing.

He accused the defence of attempting to stall the case and cited a Supreme Court decision which held that courts are not bound to act on applications not yet in their files.

He therefore urged the judge to proceed with the business of the day.

After listening to the submissions of counsel, Justice Dawoodu ruled that after considering the matter at hand, the new application filed by defence but not in his file does not warrant going ahead with the suit.

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“Consequently, this suit is hereby struck out,” the judge held.

The Falanas had filed the N1bn defamation suit against Otse, demanding N500m each in damages over a video posted on his social media platforms.

In the video, Otse allegedly claimed that Femi Falana demanded N10m, from controversial crossdresser Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, to pervert the course of justice.

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Entertainment

Chris Brown to remain in custody till June 13

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American R&B singer Chris Brown, has been remanded in custody until June 13 by a UK court having been charged with assault over a 2023 incident.

Brown was arrested at a hotel in Manchester in the early hours of Thursday morning for allegedly attacking a music producer at a London nightclub two years ago.

He had arrived the UK to kickstart his world tour in three weeks but was detained by Metropolitan Police, who tracked him down at The Lowry Hotel in Salford hours after he arrived in the city on a private jet.

He was arraigned before the Manchester Magistrate court today. District Judge Joanne Hirst told Brown the alleged offence was a matter “too serious” to be dealt with at her court as she sent the case to London’s Southwark Crown Court for a plea and trial preparation hearing on June 13.

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She refused an application for bail from his lawyers.

She then ordered he be remanded in custody till June 13

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Entertainment

Chris Brown Reportedly Nabbed in Manchester

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American music star Chris Brown has reportedly been arrested in Manchester, United Kingdom, in connection with a assault that allegedly took place at a nightclub in London in 2023.

According to multiple sources, the 36-year-old rapper and singer was taken into custody during the early hours of Thursday, May 15, 2025, at The Lowry Hotel in Manchester. He was reportedly detained around 2:00 a.m. on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm.

The arrest is tied to an incident that occurred on February 19, 2023, at the upscale Tape nightclub located in the Mayfair district of London. During that event, Brown allegedly attacked music producer Abe Diaw, striking him over the head with a bottle before proceeding to punch and kick him multiple times.

The severity of the assault reportedly led to Diaw being hospitalized, and he has since filed a $16 million lawsuit against the Grammy-winning artist, citing physical damages and defamation.

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Chris Brown’s Team Yet to Respond
As of the time of this report, Chris Brown’s management and legal representatives have not issued any official statement regarding the arrest or the incident.

The silence from his camp has left fans and the media speculating about the potential legal and professional implications, especially given the timing of the arrest.

The arrest comes just weeks before the launch of Chris Brown’s anticipated world tour, titled “Breezy Bowl XX Stadium World Tour,” which is scheduled to kick off on June 8, 2025, in Amsterdam.

The development raises concerns about whether the artist will be able to honor his international tour dates or face travel restrictions stemming from the legal case.

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Background on the Lawsuit
In the wake of the 2023 incident, Abe Diaw filed a multi-million-dollar lawsuit against Brown. In addition to the alleged physical assault, Diaw accuses the singer of attempting to damage his professional reputation, claiming that defamatory statements were made in the aftermath of the altercation.

Legal analysts say that if Brown is formally charged and convicted, he could face serious penalties, including fines, imprisonment, and potential restrictions on international travel.

Public Reactions Mixed
News of the arrest has sparked a flurry of reactions online. While some fans have expressed disappointment, others are calling for due process and urging the public not to rush to judgment.

As developments unfold, all eyes remain on whether Chris Brown’s legal team will break their silence and how the allegations will impact his already controversial public image and upcoming performances.

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SAD ! Popular Nollywood actress, Monalisa Stephen is dead

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Monalisa Stephen, a popular Nollywood actress and media personality is dead.

She died after a brief illness.

The Chief Executive Officer of Best of Nollywood (BON) Seun Oloketuyi, via his Instagram on Wednesday announced the sad news, disclosing that the controversial actress died yesterday, May 13th after battling low blood sugar and internal bleeding.

He added that the deceased actress’ sister confirmed her passing. Sharing the photo, he wrote: “Brand influencer Monalisa Ayobami Stephen is dead,she died yesterday in Lagos after losing the fight against Low sugar and internal bleeding, Her immediate younger sister confirmed the death of this hardworking and beautiful soul.”

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