Falana and Son Demand Retraction and Apology from Bobrisky Over Defamatory Bribe Allegations
Renowned Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana, and his son, Folarin Falana, popularly known as Falz, have issued a stern demand to Nigerian cross-dresser, Idris Okuneye, better known as Bobrisky, over alleged defamatory statements. The Falanas are insisting on an immediate retraction and public apology regarding Bobrisky’s claims about their involvement in an alleged N10 million bribe.
In a letter dated October 14, 2024, written by their legal representatives, Olorunfemi Akinyemi and Taiwo Olawanle, the Falanas gave Bobrisky 12 hours from the receipt of the letter to issue a formal apology and retract the statements made about them. If Bobrisky fails to comply, the Falanas warned that they would pursue legal action, including seeking monetary damages for the alleged defamatory remarks.
The controversy stems from Bobrisky’s claims in a video, where he allegedly stated that he had approached Falz for assistance while imprisoned earlier in 2024. According to Bobrisky, he requested N3 million from Falz to secure a special arrangement in the Kirikiri Correctional Centre. He further claimed that Falz informed him that his father, Femi Falana, would write a letter of pardon on his behalf. Bobrisky alleged that the pardon would require a payment of N10 million to bribe officials.
Additionally, Bobrisky is accused of claiming that he had paid N5 million upfront to a Senior Advocate of Nigeria in a bid to secure a Federal Government pardon for charges filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). Bobrisky further alleged that the SAN initially requested N10 million for legal services but agreed to reduce the amount due to his frozen bank accounts.
The Falanas have vehemently denied these claims, describing them as fabrications aimed at tarnishing their reputation. In their letter, they stated: “Your decision to involve our client in the criminal enterprise was a figment of your fertile imagination. Contrary to your spurious claims, you never briefed our client to write a letter of pardon for you. Furthermore, you did not make a part payment of N5,000,000 to our client, and our client never informed you that he had submitted a letter of pardon on your behalf.”
The letter further emphasized Femi Falana’s extensive history of securing pro bono pardons for over 300 Nigerians convicted both at home and abroad, asserting that Bobrisky’s false statements had caused severe reputational damage.
The Falanas concluded the letter by demanding that Bobrisky not only retract the defamatory statements but also issue a prominent apology on all platforms where the offensive claims were made. The letter warned that failure to comply within 12 hours would result in legal action being taken against the cross-dresser.
As of now, there has been no public response from Bobrisky regarding the Falanas’ demands.
