Human rights lawyer Femi Falana and his son, musician Folarin Falana, known as Falz, have called for a public apology and retraction from popular crossdresser Idris Okuneye, alias Bobrisky, over alleged defamatory statements made against them.
The controversy erupted following an audio clip that circulated online in which Bobrisky claimed to have sought assistance from Falz to obtain a presidential pardon. He alleged that this process involved significant payments to Femi Falana.
In a letter from Falana’s legal team, dated October 14, 2024, the claims made by Bobrisky were described as “false and defamatory.” The letter references audio recordings shared by media critic Martin Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan, in which Bobrisky reportedly stated that he needed ₦10 million for a pardon request and ₦3 million from Falz for preferential treatment at Kirikiri Correctional Centre. He also claimed to have paid ₦5 million upfront to a Senior Advocate of Nigeria to secure a pardon related to charges from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Falana’s lawyers, Olorunfemi Akinyemi and Taiwo E. Olawanle, refuted these assertions, stating, “Our clients have never engaged with you on any matter regarding a pardon or legal favour.” They highlighted that Bobrisky’s statements aimed to extort the public while tarnishing Falana’s reputation. The letter specifically addressed the claim that Falz had informed Bobrisky of his father’s willingness to write a pardon letter in exchange for a ₦10 million bribe, calling it “completely unfounded.”
The legal team has demanded that Bobrisky publicly retract and apologize for these claims across all platforms where they were shared, issuing a 12-hour ultimatum for compliance. Failure to do so may result in legal action for monetary damages.
In a related development, Justice M.O. Dawodu of the Lagos State High Court has ordered VeryDarkMan to remove his social media posts linking Bobrisky’s claims to Falana and Falz, deeming them “defamatory and harmful” to their public image. This court ruling further supports Falana’s position and underscores the need for Bobrisky to retract his statements regarding the Falana family.