Falana Issues 12-Hour Ultimatum to Bobrisky: Apologize and Retract N10 Million Bribe Allegation or Face Legal Action
Defamatory Claim Over N10 Million Bribe Allegation
By Okafor Joseph Afam
October 16, 2024
Nigerian human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), has issued a stern ultimatum to popular crossdresser Idris Okuneye, widely known as Bobrisky, demanding a public retraction and apology for defamatory claims. Bobrisky had accused Falana of requesting N10 million to facilitate a presidential pardon following Bobrisky’s recent imprisonment.
In a letter dated October 14, 2024, Falana’s legal representatives, Olorunfemi Akinyemi, Esq., and Taiwo E. Olawanle, Esq., firmly rejected Bobrisky’s allegations, describing them as baseless and damaging to Falana’s reputation. They demanded that Bobrisky retract his statements and issue a public apology within 12 hours of receiving the letter.
The controversy erupted after Bobrisky, in audios circulating online, claimed that Falana had asked for N10 million to secure a presidential pardon. He further alleged that he had already paid N5 million to a Senior Advocate of Nigeria in an attempt to secure his release. Falana’s legal team categorically denied any involvement, stating that no such request had ever been made, and that Bobrisky’s claims were aimed at tarnishing the lawyer’s image and extorting money from the public.
The letter, obtained by SaharaReporters, also revealed that Bobrisky had allegedly solicited N3 million from rapper Folarin Falana (Falz), Falana’s son, claiming it was for a “special accommodation” at Kirikiri Correctional Centre. Falana’s lawyers emphasized that this was another fabricated attempt to extort funds under false pretenses.
In their statement, the legal team warned that failure to comply with their demands within 12 hours would result in legal action, including claims for monetary damages. The letter concluded by underscoring Falana’s distinguished career in securing pardons for over 300 Nigerians on a pro bono basis, further highlighting the severity of the defamatory claims.
Bobrisky now faces the prospect of significant legal consequences if he does not retract his statements and issue a formal apology in the coming hours.
