A prominent human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, has come to the defense of controversial internet personality VDM, just months after suing him for defamation. Falana’s unexpected intervention with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over what he describes as VDM’s unlawful detention has sparked a wave of reactions across the country.
The pair were once bitter legal opponents after VDM accused the Falana family of interfering in the detention process of crossdresser Bobrisky. According to VDM, the Falanas were allegedly involved in bribery to ensure Bobrisky received special treatment while in custody. These serious allegations led Falana and his son to file a defamation lawsuit, seeking to restore their tarnished reputation and demanding an apology VDM initially refused to give.
It was reported that in October, a Lagos court presided over by Justice Matthias Daowudu ordered VDM to delete a viral video that contained the accusations. He complied, and the once-explosive case seemed to fizzle out quietly as VDM redirected his attention to other matters.
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Fast forward to this week, and the narrative has taken a surprising turn. After VDM was arrested at a GTB bank over multiple allegations — reportedly around 40 different complaints from Nigerians and subsequently detained by the EFCC, Femi Falana stepped in to ensure his release, citing unlawful detention and a violation of his fundamental rights.
This reversal has triggered widespread speculation online. Many social media users are praising Falana for rising above past conflicts to uphold the rule of law, while others suggest the renowned lawyer might be using the opportunity to rehabilitate his image with Nigeria’s vibrant online community, where VDM commands a massive following.
As VDM walks free again, this evolving saga highlights the unpredictable nature of public perception, legal battles, and redemption arcs in Nigeria’s fast-moving digital landscape. Will this new alliance between Falana and VDM last, or is it just a strategic truce in a high-profile feud?