“Why I Can’t Apologize” — VDM Speaks Out to Falana and Falz Ahead of Court Hearing

Social media personality Martins ‘VDM’ Otse has publicly refused to apologize to prominent human rights lawyer Femi Falana and his son, the musician Falz, just one day before the hearing of a defamation lawsuit they filed against him. The lawsuit, set to be heard at the Ikeja High Court in Lagos on Thursday, stems from allegations VDM made in September, when he shared a leaked audio clip implicating the Falanas in a bribery scheme.

The allegations first surfaced when VDM posted audio featuring popular socialite Bobrisky, who claimed that while serving time at Kirikiri Correctional Centre, Falz and his father offered to secure him a presidential pardon for N10 million. Both Falana and Falz swiftly denied the accusation and demanded a public retraction and apology from VDM, whom they accuse of defamation. When VDM refused, the Lagos State High Court issued an order mandating the deletion of the social media post and any related comments from VDM’s platform.

Court Orders and Legal Proceedings

In October, Justice M.O. Dawodu granted Femi Falana’s application to restrict VDM from further statements that might damage his reputation. The court also allowed the suit to be served through VDM’s legal counsel, Deji Adeyanju.

VDM Speaks Out: “No Apology”

VDM has remained defiant, arguing that he posted the audio to expose what he claims is ongoing corruption. In an Instagram post on Wednesday, he confirmed his arrival in Lagos with his legal representative for the case. VDM clarified that he sees no grounds for an apology, saying, “I exposed corruption. If someone’s name is mentioned, they should clear their name.” He added that he had even shown respect by prostrating before Mr. Falana, but when asked to retract his statements, he refused.

VDM also shared his opinion on the alleged societal tendency to protect high-profile individuals: “I don’t want a country where people keep quiet just because it involves someone important.” He asserted that he would continue to expose wrongdoing regardless of the individuals involved.

Ongoing Reactions and Threats

Falana, who has a legacy of challenging prominent figures, recently disclosed threats against his family linked to the lawsuit. He reported that supporters of VDM had threatened to attack his office and harm his daughter if he continued the case. Describing the threats as actions of “mentally unstable individuals,” Falana vowed to continue with the lawsuit, emphasizing his dedication to justice.

Broader Allegations

The defamation case has triggered investigations into Nigeria’s prison and anti-corruption agencies. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has been accused of accepting bribes to drop money laundering charges against Bobrisky, and the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) is under scrutiny for allegedly providing him VIP treatment at Kirikiri Correctional Centre.

A report by a panel appointed by the Minister of Interior has highlighted irregularities in Bobrisky’s incarceration, including claims that he was housed outside the Correctional Centre for much of his six-month sentence.

Background on Bobrisky’s Legal Issues

In April, the EFCC arrested Bobrisky on multiple charges, including money laundering and currency mutilation. Following his trial at the Federal High Court in Lagos, he was sentenced to six months in prison without the option of a fine. After completing his sentence on August 5, Bobrisky’s treatment and privileges within the prison system remain under investigation by both the EFCC and the House of Representatives.