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A Lagos High Court sitting in Ikeja on Tuesday struck out the defamation suit filed against blogger Martins Otse, also known as Verydarkblackman (VDM).
Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana; and his son, Folarin popularly known as Falz; had filed the defamation suit against VDM following the comments and video he published on September 24, 2024 on his social media handles and pages.
The Falanas had dragged the defendant before the court in separate suits, claiming N500 million each as damages over a video he posted on his social media platforms alleging that they collected N10 million from Idris Okuneye, a.k.a Bobrisky, to pervert the cause of justice.
In their suits, the father and son submitted that the defendant knew all his comments were unverified and not true, yet he proceeded to publish same to injure their reputation recklessly.
READ ALSO: Refund ₦300m Rivers Money Now, Adegboruwa Tells NBA
They also stated that the alleged defamatory publication is still trending on the defendants online handles and pages and as such, the injury to their reputation continues as long as the publication remains online.
When the case was called on Tuesday, Falana, his son, and VDM were absent in court.
However, counsel for the respondent, Niyi Alagbe, holding brief for Marvin Omorogbe, informed the court that he had earlier filed an application for stay of proceeding before Justice Fimisola Azeez.
Counsel for the Falanas, Omotayo Olatunbosun, in his response, informed the court that he received the said application on Monday about 4:15 p.m.
Olatunbosun argued that the matter of the day was the preliminary objection, which he said was ripe for hearing and that the new application was meant to prolong matters.
Olatunbosun urged the judge to proceed with the business of the day.
Justice Matthias Dawodu said the application in question was not in the file and wondered why he was being troubled with the case when the substantive suit was before another court.
Dawodu struck out the suit and held that insistence on going ahead with the suit would be an academic exercise since the substantive suit was before another judge.
French group Hermes overtook LVMH as the world’s most valuable luxury company on Tuesday after shares in the Louis Vuitton maker tumbled following weaker-than-expected quarterly sales.
The market capitalisation of Hermes reached 248.6 billion euros ($280.5 billion) at the close of trading in Paris, topping LVMH’s 244.4 billion euros.
LVMH shares sank 7.8 percent a day after the group owned by Europe’s wealthiest man, Bernard Arnault, reported a two percent drop in first quarter sales to 20.3 billion euros.
The producer of Louis Vuitton bags and Dom Perignon champagne reported a slight decline in US sales, where it generates a quarter of its revenue.
Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas has directed Rivers State Sole Administrator, retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, to report directly to the National Assembly as mandated by the 1999 Constitution (as amended).
This directive aims to ensure transparency and accountability in the governance of the oil-rich state.
Abbas gave the directive in Abuja on Tuesday while inaugurating the House of Representatives Ad-hoc Committee on Rivers State.
He urged the committee members to be guided by objectivity, warning that there is no room for bias and partisanship.
He said: “It is paramount to note that the current administration in Rivers State is inherently temporary. With the suspension of the state Governor, Mr Siminalayi Fubara, and the entire House of Assembly, a caretaker administration has been installed under the stewardship of retired Rear Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas.
“His role is strictly circumscribed, as he is charged with maintaining law and order and ensuring that the basic functions of governance are met only until full democratic governance is restored.
“The administrator is required to operate with the highest levels of transparency and accountability, reporting directly to the National Assembly on all matters that pertain to the peace, order and good government of the state as prescribed by the constitution.
“It is instructive to recall past instances where our nation has faced similar challenges. We witnessed state emergencies in Plateau State in 2004 and Ekiti State in 2006.
“Similarly, in 2013, President Goodluck Jonathan declared a state of emergency in Borno, Adamawa, and Yobe States after a series of deadly attacks by terrorists and militant groups.
“In those periods of dire security and governance challenges, the National Assembly assumed a vital role in upholding constitutional order.”
He added: “When state institutions were suspended, the intervention of the National Assembly ensured continuity in governance. Our actions today are grounded in Section 11(4) of the 1999 Constitution, which confers upon us the authority to make laws for any state whose elected legislative body is unable to perform its statutory functions.
“It states that ‘At any time when any House of Assembly of a State is unable to perform its functions by reason of the situation prevailing in that State, the National Assembly may make such laws for the peace, order and good government of that State with respect to matters on which a House of Assembly may make laws as may appear to the National Assembly to be necessary or expedient until such time as the House of Assembly is able to resume its functions; and any such laws enacted by the National Assembly pursuant to this section shall have effect as if they were laws enacted by the House of Assembly of the State.
“This Committee has a clear and non-partisan mandate. Its purpose is to monitor the implementation of federal directives and policies in Rivers State, ensure that the caretaker administration adheres to the law, and protect the public interest while facilitating the re-establishment of full democratic governance in the state.
“The sensitivity and gravity of this assignment cannot be overemphasised. The state of emergency in Rivers State has generated widespread interest across the nation, and the eyes of all Nigerians are upon us as they await to see if the National Assembly can live up to the high expectations placed upon it.
“Therefore, the task before this Committee is not routine; it is a mission of national significance that will serve as a litmus test for our commitment to democratic principles and constitutional governance. The importance of the assignment places a considerable burden on the Chairman and all members, as every action taken will be subject to national scrutiny.
“In fulfilling your mandate, you must conduct your oversight in strict accordance with the Constitution and avoid all forms of partisanship or bias. It is imperative that you monitor every aspect of the caretaker administration’s conduct, scrutinise public expenditures, and ensure that all federal directives and policies are implemented as intended.
“Moreover, it is expected that you will regularly report your findings to this House in a transparent manner, enabling us to continuously assess the impact of the emergency measures and to take further legislative action if necessary.”
Speaking further he said: “Your work must actively support efforts to restore lasting peace and re-establish a fully functioning democratic system in Rivers State.
“You are called upon to interface with federal agencies, security institutions, and any reconciliation initiatives that may be established, fostering trust among all stakeholders in the process.
“The National Assembly’s intervention in Rivers State is not an instrument of political vendetta but a constitutional necessity.
“It embodies our collective duty to safeguard peace, security, and the rule of law. We act not out of partisan interests but in the earnest service of a united and prosperous Nigeria.
“The eyes of all Nigerians are upon us, and it is incumbent upon this House, particularly on the Chairman and all members of this esteemed Committee, to rise to this historic challenge with courage, integrity, and determination.”
In his response, House Leader and Chairman of the Committee, Rep. (Prof.) Julius Ihonvbere pledged the readiness of the panel to deliver on the assignment.
He said: “This is probably the strongest ad-hoc committee ever set up since 2019. This will make our work a lot easier, and with the experience, exposure, dedication and commitment to unbiased dispositions on national issues.
“I assure you, on behalf of my colleagues in the ad hoc committee, that we will not disappoint you, the National Assembly and Nigeria.”
Persecondnews had reported that President Bola Tinubu on March 18 declared a six-month emergency rule in Rivers State, following the political crisis that pitched the state governor, Siminalayi Fubara, against the State House of Assembly.
Nigerian music star, Peter Okoye, also known as Mr P, has spoken again about the alleged betrayal and financial misappropriation by his elder brother and former manager, Jude Okoye, saying it took him over two decades to speak up — and the delay nearly cost him everything.
Just hours after testifying before the Federal High Court in Lagos on Monday, Mr P, in an X statement, shared a deeply personal post about enduring years of silence under the guise of family loyalty.
“Don’t let ‘family’ be the reason you’re drowning in silence. I did — for over 20 years plus. And it almost cost me everything,” Peter wrote. “But now I know better — love doesn’t manipulate, loyalty doesn’t betray, and family does not steal from you. Family that steals and breaks you isn’t family at all.”
The 43-year-old singer continued, “A real family doesn’t drain you, shame you, discriminate against you, or ignore your pain. My sanity matters. My mental health is a priority. If it costs my mental health, then it’s too expensive.”
Don’t let ‘family’ be the reason you’re drowning in silence. I did — for over 20 years plus. And it almost cost me everything. But now I know better — love doesn’t manipulate, loyalty doesn’t betray, and family does not steal from you. Family that steals and breaks you isn’t…
On Monday, at the Federal High Court in Lagos, Peter alleged that Jude had covertly registered Northside Music Limited to collect and control digital royalties from their group, P-Square, without the knowledge or consent of its members.
Peter, appearing before Justice Alexander Owoeye, said he only discovered the company while investigating royalty discrepancies years after the group’s initial split in 2017. He revealed that the company was registered under Jude’s name and his wife’s — with her holding 80% ownership.
“All our earnings from P-Square were funnelled into accounts controlled solely by Jude,” Peter claimed. “From 2017 to 2021, when we were apart, I had no access to anything. Jude was the only signatory,” he added.
READ ALSO: [Alleged N1.3bn Fraud:] P-Square’s Peter Testifies In Case Against Brother
The singer further alleged that backend royalty data had been manipulated, significantly reducing the value of their catalogue. “What used to bring in $8,000 per month was now reduced to about $500. When I asked for financial records, I was told my money was with people in South Africa,” he stated.
According to him, this lack of transparency cost them not just revenue but also business opportunities. “I wasn’t even asking for the money — just access to our data,” Peter explained.
Suspicious of foul play, he consulted lawyer Festus Keyamo, SAN (now Aviation Minister), who suggested a revenue-sharing formula. When that failed, he hired another lawyer, Mr Afolabi, and submitted a petition to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
One of the charges levelled against Jude and Northside Music Ltd. is the alleged purchase of an Ikoyi property worth ₦850 million, using funds suspected to be proceeds of crime — a violation of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Another charge accuses Jude of converting over $1 million through a Bureau De Change, allegedly using Nigerian bank accounts to conceal the origin of the funds. The EFCC claims that Jude’s actions show a pattern of deliberate financial concealment. He has pleaded not guilty to all seven charges.
Peter said he discovered more “red flags” when potential buyers expressed interest in acquiring P-Square’s music catalogue in 2022. The resulting checks revealed tampered backend data, previously hidden transactions, and dual aggregator connections — both for P-Square and Jude’s company.
Peter is expected to be cross-examined when the trial continues on 4 June.
Jude’s legal troubles began after his younger brother, Peter, filed a petition with the EFCC accusing him of mismanaging digital royalties from their former music group, P-Square.
On 26 February, the EFCC alleged that Jude had dishonestly converted funds meant for Peter, including large sums in dollars and pounds from companies like Lex Records Limited, Kobalt Music, and Mtech Limited. These payments were said to be royalties earned from P-Square’s digital music catalogue.
Jude is now standing trial alongside his company, Northside Music Limited, on a seven-count charge of money laundering. One of the charges alleges that in 2022, he and his company used money suspected to be from illegal sources to purchase a luxury property in Ikoyi, Lagos, worth ₦850 million. The charge states that Jude “did directly acquire a landed property known as No 5, Tony Eromosele Street, Parkview Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos… which money you knew or reasonably ought to have known forms part of proceeds of unlawful act.”
Another charge accuses him of converting $1,019,762.87 through a Bureau De Change and transferring the funds into several Nigerian bank accounts in an effort to hide their true origin. According to the EFCC, this was done “with the aim of disguising or concealing the illicit origin of the funds.”
The EFCC maintains that these actions violate the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. Jude has denied all allegations and pleaded not guilty.
Nigerian music star, Peter Okoye, also known as Mr P, has spoken again about the alleged betrayal and financial misappropriation by his elder brother and former manager, Jude Okoye, saying it took him over two decades to speak up — and the delay nearly cost him everything.
Just hours after testifying before the Federal High Court in Lagos on Monday, Mr P, in an X statement, shared a deeply personal post about enduring years of silence under the guise of family loyalty.
“Don’t let ‘family’ be the reason you’re drowning in silence. I did — for over 20 years plus. And it almost cost me everything,” Peter wrote. “But now I know better — love doesn’t manipulate, loyalty doesn’t betray, and family does not steal from you. Family that steals and breaks you isn’t family at all.”
The 43-year-old singer continued, “A real family doesn’t drain you, shame you, discriminate against you, or ignore your pain. My sanity matters. My mental health is a priority. If it costs my mental health, then it’s too expensive.”
Don’t let ‘family’ be the reason you’re drowning in silence. I did — for over 20 years plus. And it almost cost me everything. But now I know better — love doesn’t manipulate, loyalty doesn’t betray, and family does not steal from you. Family that steals and breaks you isn’t…
On Monday, at the Federal High Court in Lagos, Peter alleged that Jude had covertly registered Northside Music Limited to collect and control digital royalties from their group, P-Square, without the knowledge or consent of its members.
Peter, appearing before Justice Alexander Owoeye, said he only discovered the company while investigating royalty discrepancies years after the group’s initial split in 2017. He revealed that the company was registered under Jude’s name and his wife’s — with her holding 80% ownership.
“All our earnings from P-Square were funnelled into accounts controlled solely by Jude,” Peter claimed. “From 2017 to 2021, when we were apart, I had no access to anything. Jude was the only signatory,” he added.
READ ALSO: [Alleged N1.3bn Fraud:] P-Square’s Peter Testifies In Case Against Brother
The singer further alleged that backend royalty data had been manipulated, significantly reducing the value of their catalogue. “What used to bring in $8,000 per month was now reduced to about $500. When I asked for financial records, I was told my money was with people in South Africa,” he stated.
According to him, this lack of transparency cost them not just revenue but also business opportunities. “I wasn’t even asking for the money — just access to our data,” Peter explained.
Suspicious of foul play, he consulted lawyer Festus Keyamo, SAN (now Aviation Minister), who suggested a revenue-sharing formula. When that failed, he hired another lawyer, Mr Afolabi, and submitted a petition to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
One of the charges levelled against Jude and Northside Music Ltd. is the alleged purchase of an Ikoyi property worth ₦850 million, using funds suspected to be proceeds of crime — a violation of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.
Another charge accuses Jude of converting over $1 million through a Bureau De Change, allegedly using Nigerian bank accounts to conceal the origin of the funds. The EFCC claims that Jude’s actions show a pattern of deliberate financial concealment. He has pleaded not guilty to all seven charges.
Peter said he discovered more “red flags” when potential buyers expressed interest in acquiring P-Square’s music catalogue in 2022. The resulting checks revealed tampered backend data, previously hidden transactions, and dual aggregator connections — both for P-Square and Jude’s company.
Peter is expected to be cross-examined when the trial continues on 4 June.
Jude’s legal troubles began after his younger brother, Peter, filed a petition with the EFCC accusing him of mismanaging digital royalties from their former music group, P-Square.
On 26 February, the EFCC alleged that Jude had dishonestly converted funds meant for Peter, including large sums in dollars and pounds from companies like Lex Records Limited, Kobalt Music, and Mtech Limited. These payments were said to be royalties earned from P-Square’s digital music catalogue.
Jude is now standing trial alongside his company, Northside Music Limited, on a seven-count charge of money laundering. One of the charges alleges that in 2022, he and his company used money suspected to be from illegal sources to purchase a luxury property in Ikoyi, Lagos, worth ₦850 million. The charge states that Jude “did directly acquire a landed property known as No 5, Tony Eromosele Street, Parkview Estate, Ikoyi, Lagos… which money you knew or reasonably ought to have known forms part of proceeds of unlawful act.”
Another charge accuses him of converting $1,019,762.87 through a Bureau De Change and transferring the funds into several Nigerian bank accounts in an effort to hide their true origin. According to the EFCC, this was done “with the aim of disguising or concealing the illicit origin of the funds.”
The EFCC maintains that these actions violate the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022. Jude has denied all allegations and pleaded not guilty.