Renowned human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), and his son, popular musician and activist Folarin Falana, known as Falz, have demanded an immediate public apology and retraction from Idris Okuneye, better known as Bobrisky, over false and defamatory statements.
These claims, spread through viral audio recordings, allege that the Falanas were involved in a bribery scheme to secure a presidential pardon for Bobrisky.
The allegations surfaced when Bobrisky, in audio clips shared by controversial media critic Martin Otse (also known as VeryDarkMan), claimed that he had spoken with Falz to request his help in persuading his father, Femi Falana, to secure a presidential pardon for him at the cost of N10 million.
Bobrisky further alleged that he asked Falz for N3 million to secure special treatment at Kirikiri Correctional Centre. In another recording, Bobrisky stated he had already paid N5 million to a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) to process the pardon after being charged by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
However, in a stern letter dated October 14, 2024, from Falana’s legal representatives, Olorunfemi Akinyemi and Taiwo Olawanle, Bobrisky was accused of fabricating the entire story. The legal team labeled the allegations as reckless and baseless, stating they were designed to extort money from the public while tarnishing Falana’s impeccable reputation.
The letter read: “We are Counsel to Mr. Femi Falana SAN and Mr. Folarin Falana (Falz). On their behalf, we write to address your slanderous and damaging claims. We have confirmed that you used your recent imprisonment as a means to extort money from the public under false pretenses. You falsely claimed that our clients were involved in bribery to secure your pardon.”
The letter went on to assert that at no point did Falana or his son communicate with Bobrisky, let alone discuss a presidential pardon. It also accused Bobrisky of inventing a story about payments to a SAN and publishing a list of individuals who allegedly contributed money to bribe officials, which was nothing more than a scam.
“You never instructed our client to write a letter of pardon, and your claim of paying N5 million to a Senior Advocate for legal services is a complete fabrication,” the letter emphasized. “You have knowingly and recklessly made these defamatory claims, dragging our client’s name through the mud, while seeking to profit from your deceit.”
Falana’s lawyers made it clear that unless Bobrisky issues a formal retraction and a widely publicized apology across all platforms within 12 hours, legal action will follow, including seeking substantial damages for the harm done to Falana’s reputation, both locally and internationally.
The letter concluded with a warning: “Your decision to involve our client in your unlawful activities is entirely a product of your imagination. We strongly advise you to address these issues immediately in your own best interest.”
Bobrisky has yet to respond to the legal demands.
