“Falana Denies Connection with Bobrisky, Vows Legal Action Over Defamatory Claims”
Renowned human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, has clarified that he has never spoken to nor met Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky. Falana made this disclosure during an interview on Channels TV on Thursday, firmly stating that neither he nor his family members had any connection with the controversial crossdresser.
By Okafor Joseph Afam
October 4, 2024
The legal luminary addressed rumors that Bobrisky had reached out to his son, Folarin Falana, also known as Falz, for financial assistance while in prison. While confirming that Bobrisky had indeed contacted Falz, Falana emphasized that his son refused to provide the requested funds.
Falana explained, “Bobrisky never spoke to me, I have never met him, I don’t know him from Adam. He was alleged to have spoken to my son, Folarin, Falz. My son said this guy was appealing to him for assistance, and called my son, asking, ‘Please, can you give me N3 million to be placed in a special part of the prison; we call it VIP section.’”
According to Falana, Falz refused the request, advising Bobrisky to follow proper channels. “My son asked, ‘Are you calling me under the authorisation of the superintendent of prisons?’ Bobrisky said ‘No,’ and my son responded, ‘Please don’t call me again. I’m unable to assist you in bribing the prison authorities.’”
The issue came to light after social media influencer, Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, alleged in a viral publication that Falana and his son were involved in a bribery scheme involving Bobrisky. Falana, however, categorically denied these claims, stating that his family had no dealings with the crossdresser.
Falana went on to say, “Somebody claimed to have listened to a tape and went out to lampoon me, defaming my reputation. My son has never negotiated for anyone. On the contrary, my children refer people who need assistance to me.”
In response to the defamatory statements, Falana revealed his decision to pursue civil legal action, not criminal charges, in order to restore the integrity of his family’s name. “I have resisted the temptation to file a criminal complaint. I am leading a team of lawyers in West Africa, campaigning for decriminalisation of freedom of expression. In this case, we won’t file a criminal complaint. What we will do is embark on civil proceedings with a view to restoring our integrity, my own name, and that of my son,” he explained.
Falana’s comments follow a public apology made by Martins Otse (VeryDarkMan), who, after appearing before the Nigerian House of Representatives, retracted his previous statements and admitted they were unverified and inaccurate. He expressed his “unreserved apology” to Falana, stating that he no longer believed the lawyer was involved in any bribery allegations involving Bobrisky and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
