Human rights lawyer and activist Femi Falana has publicly addressed accusations related to a purported ‘presidential pardon’ that allegedly involves him, his son, popular musician Falz, and the controversial crossdresser Idris Okuneye, commonly known as Bobrisky. This revelation comes in the wake of a social media controversy that has garnered significant attention.
In September, PREMIUM TIMES reported that social media influencer Martins Otse, known as ‘VeryDarkMan‘, shared a leaked audio recording on Instagram. In this recording, Bobrisky accused Mr. Falana and his son of attempting to secure a presidential pardon for him in exchange for a sum of N10 million while he was held at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre.
In response to these serious allegations, Falz publicly demanded an apology and retraction from VeryDarkMan within a strict 24-hour timeframe, emphasizing the importance of addressing such claims. During an interview on Channels TV’s *Politics Today* with Seun Okinbaloye, Mr. Falana categorically denied any involvement in the alleged deal. He stated, “I have never met Bobrisky, and he has never spoken to me. It’s also been alleged that he contacted my son, Falz. My son informed me that Bobrisky reached out to him on 4 May, requesting N3 million to be transferred to gain VIP privileges within the prison.”
Falana elaborated that his son firmly refused Bobrisky's request, insisting that any further communication should be made through the prison superintendent or via an official letter. “That was the last time he heard from him,” Falana remarked, reiterating his family's commitment to integrity. This stance was taken in light of the House of Representatives’ recent investigation into claims that Bobrisky was housed in a VIP section of the prison, an assertion that Mr. Falana found surprising. He expressed disbelief that the House was unaware of such facilities existing within Nigerian prisons, pointing out that the Correctional Service Act of 2019 includes provisions for addressing misconduct by prison officers.
Reports indicated that the House had summoned VeryDarkMan, Bobrisky, the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to discuss the allegations. While Bobrisky did not attend the panel, the other parties provided their perspectives during the session. Mr. Falana also rejected claims that his son negotiated a N10 million deal with Bobrisky for a presidential pardon, emphasizing that he has successfully secured pardons for many convicts without ever soliciting payment.
Falana explained that he chose not to file a criminal complaint against VeryDarkMan due to his advocacy for freedom of expression. “I have resisted the temptation to file a criminal complaint because I lead a team of West African lawyers campaigning to decriminalize freedom of expression,” he stated, adding that he would pursue civil action to safeguard both his and his son’s reputations. He further criticized the role of social media in disseminating false information, highlighting the dangers of unverified allegations. “This case is an example of how people spread defamatory allegations online without evidence. We’ve asked for an apology and a retraction, which is reasonable, but since that has not happened, we will pursue civil action in the High Court,” he affirmed.
The controversy surrounding Bobrisky has also been significant, as he was arrested by the EFCC in April on charges related to money laundering and Naira mutilation. Although the money laundering charges were dismissed, Bobrisky was ultimately sentenced to six months in prison for Naira abuse, which has drawn considerable public attention.
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