Human rights lawyer Inibehe Effiong has taken a firm stand against social media influencer Martins Otse, known as VeryDarkMan.
Effiong’s comments came after VeryDarkMan denied defaming respected lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, regarding allegations of corruption tied to cross-dresser Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky.
The situation escalated after VeryDarkMan accused Falana of attempting to negotiate a presidential pardon for Bobrisky in exchange for money.
Inibehe Effiong did not hold back, stating that VeryDarkMan’s comments reflect a lack of understanding of libel law.
The controversy erupted when VeryDarkMan claimed that Falana had conversations with Bobrisky, suggesting that he was involved in corrupt practices.
In an Instagram post, VeryDarkMan alleged that Falana spoke to Bobrisky to divert justice.
He also claimed Falana sought a bribe of ₦10 million in exchange for a presidential pardon for Bobrisky.
Falana’s legal team quickly responded, denying the allegations in a letter dated September 25, 2024.
The letter, signed by Taiwo E. Olawanle, emphasized that these claims were defamatory and harmful to Falana’s reputation.
In his defense, VeryDarkMan insisted that he never intended to defame Falana.
He argued that he was merely calling for a thorough investigation into the corruption claims surrounding Bobrisky and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Despite his claims of innocence, Inibehe Effiong challenged him on social media.
Effiong stated, “Saying that you expected Femi Falana to write to Bobrisky and not you, who published the defamatory audio, shows an acute lack of knowledge of the law of libel.”
Effiong explained that defamation occurs when a statement harms the reputation of an individual.
He emphasized that it does not matter whether the speaker intended to harm someone.
“If reasonable and right-thinking members of society can deduce from your statement that you were referring to the claimant, you are liable for defamation,” Effiong asserted.
The lawyer clarified that the act of publishing the defamatory statement is what gives rise to a legal cause of action.
He noted, “Even if you want to plead the defense of fair comment in court, your personal and highly prejudicial comments make it improbable for you to prevail.”
Effiong criticized VeryDarkMan for not having solid evidence to back up his allegations against Falana.
“If you’re going to accuse a lawyer or anyone for that matter of aiding a prisoner to avoid jail time, you should have solid facts to substantiate it,” Effiong stated.
Effiong highlighted the significance of having credible evidence in defamation cases.
He urged VeryDarkMan to produce any voice recordings that could support his claims.
“The audio is supposedly between Bobrisky and an unidentified third party, making the case of defamation more compelling,” Effiong noted.
He challenged VeryDarkMan to release the evidence if it exists, saying, “If you have the voice record that substantiates your assertions, put it out for everyone to listen to.”
Inibehe Effiong supports the Nigerian Bar Association’s (NBA) call for an independent investigation into the allegations surrounding Bobrisky.
He believes that thorough investigations are essential for restoring public trust in the legal system.
Effiong said, “I am passionately interested in sanitizing our country’s institutions. I know that the Correctional Service in Nigeria is corrupt and requires radical reforms.”
