Renowned Nigerian human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, recently spoke out against allegations involving the popular crossdresser Idris Okuneye, known as Bobrisky. In an audio clip released by social activist Very Dark Man, Bobrisky claimed that Falana could help him secure a presidential pardon while he was serving time in Kirikiri prison for financial misconduct. However, Falana firmly denied ever speaking to Bobrisky or having any connection with him.
In the controversial audio, Bobrisky mentioned that singer Falz allegedly informed him that his father, Falana, could assist him in exchange for 10 million naira to help clear his name from criminal records. This claim has raised serious concerns for Falana and his son, leading them to demand an immediate retraction of the statements made and a public apology from Very Dark Man within 24 hours.
In an interview with Channels Television’s Politics Today on October 3, Falana reiterated that he has never met or communicated with Bobrisky. He stressed the importance of restoring their integrity and stated that if a suitable retraction and apology are not received, they will pursue civil proceedings against Very Dark Man. Falana made it clear that their focus is on protecting their names and setting a precedent against defamation on social media.
“Bobrisky never spoke to me, I have never met him, I do not know him from Adam. He was alleged to have spoken to my son Folarin (Falz). Yes, my son said this guy was appealing to people for assistance and called my son I think on May 4 this year – please can you give me N3 million to be placed in a special part of the prison, we call it the VIP section.
My son asked him, are you calling me under the authorization of the superintendent of prisons? He said no – please don’t call me again, I am unable to assist you to bribe the prison authorities and be very careful since you are already in prison for an offence.
Please if you are you are going to call me next time, you either do through the superintendent or you write a letter endorsed by the prison authorities and that was the last. Somebody now start releasing tapes somewhere and went out to lampoon and rather defame me by saying the guy has spoken to me.”
He emphasized, “We want to make an example in this case. Nobody should rush to social media to defame any Nigerian.” Falana and his son aim to highlight the seriousness of false allegations and ensure that such behavior does not go unchecked.
The ongoing situation underscores the challenges faced by individuals in the public eye regarding defamatory statements and the impact of social media on reputations. Falana’s commitment to seeking justice through legal means serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability in public discourse.
