Bobrisky denies Falana and Falz’s claims of defamation, asserting he gave no money and holding media critic VeryDarkMan accountable for circulating false statements.
Popular Nigerian crossdresser Idris Okuneye, better known as Bobrisky, has firmly denied accusations of defamation made by renowned human rights lawyer Femi Falana and his musician son, Folarin Falana, also known as Falz.
The allegations stem from claims circulating on social media, suggesting that Bobrisky implicated both father and son in a bribery scandal involving a presidential pardon.
Also read: VeryDarkMan reveals more evidence amidst Bobrisky controversy and clarifies stance on Falana
Bobrisky responded to the legal demands made by Falana and Falz, who have called for a public apology and the retraction of alleged defamatory statements.
In a letter issued on 14 October 2024 by Falana’s legal representatives, Olorunfemi Akinyemi and Taiwo E. Olawanle, the crossdresser was accused of making false statements in audio recordings shared online by controversial media critic Martin Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan.
The recordings included claims that Bobrisky paid large sums of money to secure preferential treatment and a pardon during his legal battles with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
One of the key accusations involves a claim by Bobrisky that he had spoken to Falz, requesting his assistance in persuading his father to secure a presidential pardon, allegedly at the cost of ₦10 million. Bobrisky also claimed to have asked Falz for an additional ₦3 million to arrange special treatment at Kirikiri Correctional Centre.
Furthermore, in another audio shared by VeryDarkMan, Bobrisky allegedly stated that he had paid ₦5 million upfront to a Senior Advocate of Nigeria in an attempt to secure a Federal Government pardon.
However, Bobrisky has consistently refuted these claims. In his latest Instagram post, the crossdresser insisted that he never gave any money to Falana or his son, and reiterated that he should not be held accountable for the defamatory statements circulating on social media.
“I, Okuneye Idris aka Bobrisky, didn’t give Falz or his dad any money for a pardon. As a matter of fact, no penny was given to them,” Bobrisky wrote.
He also added that it was the person who shared the audio, VeryDarkMan, who should be held responsible for the content in question.
Falana’s legal team has described Bobrisky’s statements as entirely false and damaging to the lawyer’s reputation. They are demanding a retraction and apology across all platforms where the defamatory content was shared.
Despite this, Bobrisky has maintained that his communications were private and that any claims related to the alleged bribery were fabricated by the media critic.
“My lawyer will respond to any further information the public wants about this ongoing issue trending on social media,” Bobrisky added.
The saga continues to unfold as both sides await legal resolutions, with the crossdresser standing by his position that he has been wrongfully implicated in the controversy.
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
