In the heat of the drama between controversial social media VeryDarkMan and crossdresser, Idris Okuneye better known as Bobrisky, the Falana’s family have taken a bold step.
Human rights activist and lawyer, Femi Falana, and his son, Folarin, better known as Falz demanded a public apology and retraction of defamatory statements made by Bobrisky, in audio recordings circulating online.
Glamsquad recalls that in one of the call recordings shared by VeryDarkMan, Bobrisky claimed that he had spoken with Falz, requesting his assistance in persuading his father (Falana) to help secure a presidential pardon, which allegedly cost N10 million.
Bobrisky also alleged that he asked Falz for N3 million to secure special treatment at Kirikiri Correctional Centre.
In a recent audio shared by VeryDarkMan, Bobrisky revealed that he paid N5 million upfront to a Senior Advocate of Nigeria in a bid to secure a Federal Government pardon for charges brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
In a letter dated October 14, 2024, Falana’s legal team, represented by Olorunfemi Akinyemi and Taiwo E. Olawanle, accused Bobrisky of making false and defamatory remarks about Falana and his son’s alleged involvement in bribery and a government pardon. The lawyers described Bobrisky’s claims as baseless and harmful to Falana’s reputation, demanding a full retraction and apology on all platforms where the statements were made.
The letter reads:
“We are Counsel to Mr. Femi Falana SAN and Mr. Folarin Falana aka Falz (hereinafter referred to as ‘our clients’), on whose behalf we write this letter regarding your slanderous statements against them.
We have confirmed that you took advantage of your recent imprisonment to extort money from a group of artists and other members of the public.
“You will recall that on 4 May 2024, you called Mr. Folarin Falana, popularly known as Falz, and requested N3,000,000 (Three Million Naira) to secure special treatment at Kirikiri Correctional Centre.
“Although Falz refused your request, you falsely claimed in a video that he told you his father, our client, had agreed to write a letter of pardon for you. You also stated that our client had spoken with you and that N10,000,000 (Ten Million Naira) was required to bribe officials to process your pardon.”
“In another video, you claimed to have paid N5,000,000 (Five Million Naira) upfront to a Senior Advocate of Nigeria to secure a Federal Government pardon over charges filed against you by the EFCC. You further alleged that the Senior Advocate initially requested N10,000,000 (Ten Million Naira) for his legal services but, due to your frozen account, you could not raise the full amount.”
Falana’s legal team clarified that no such conversation had ever taken place and that Bobrisky’s allegations were aimed at extorting money from the public while tarnishing Falana’s professional reputation.
“In fact, you have published a list of individuals who believed your fabricated story and contributed millions of naira, supposedly to pay our client to write a letter of pardon and bribe public officers on your behalf.
“Your decision to involve our client in your criminal activities was purely a figment of your imagination.
“Contrary to your baseless claims, you never instructed our client to write a letter of pardon for you.
Additionally, the legal team emphasised that Bobrisky had never spoken with Falana nor instructed him to write a letter of pardon. The claim of a N5 million payment was also dismissed as groundless.
“It is clear that you made these defamatory statements recklessly, knowing full well that you did not call our client to request a letter of pardon. Our client has NEVER spoken to you regarding your pardon or any other matter.
“Given that our client has secured pardons for over 300 Nigerians convicted by military and civilian courts in Nigeria, Libya, Thailand, and The Gambia on a pro bono basis, your defamatory statements have severely damaged his reputation, both locally and internationally.
“We, therefore, demand an immediate retraction of your defamatory and derogatory statements, along with a prominently aired or published apology on all platforms where your false statements have been shared.
“If we do not receive your formal retraction and apology within 12 (twelve) hours of your receipt of this letter, we will proceed with our client’s instructions to pursue legal remedies, including seeking monetary damages, for your malicious defamatory statements.
“We hope you will urgently address the issues raised herein in your own best interest.”
Reacting to the legal letter on his Instagram story, Bobrisky denied the allegations of defamation.
He also refuted allegations of bribing the Senior Advocate of Nigeria for a presidential pardon, asserting that he would refrain from further public comments on the issue and leave all legal matters to his attorney.
Bobrisky also disassociated himself from the controversial audio recordings, insisting that the person who shared the content should bear responsibility.
“I OKUNEYE idris aka BOBRISKY didn’t give Falz or his dad any money for pardon. As a matter of fact no penny was given to them. Have said dis before and i will say it again. The person that published an Audio online should take fully responsible for what he posted in public. My lawyer will respond to any further information d public want to about dis ongoing issue trending trending on social media…”
Read Also: Lagos High Court orders VeryDarkMan to retract defamatory comments, pay N500 million in libel suit