Human rights lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana, SAN, has firmly denied any involvement with popular crossdresser Idris Okuneye, known as Bobrisky, or allegations that he facilitated bribes to prison officials in exchange for Bobrisky serving his sentence outside prison.
In a viral video shared by blogger Martins Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan, it was claimed that unnamed officers from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) accepted ₦15 million from Bobrisky to drop money laundering charges against him. Otse further alleged that Falana sought a presidential pardon for Bobrisky in exchange for ₦10 million.
However, during an appearance on Channels Television’s “Politics Today” yesterday, Falana categorically denied ever meeting or speaking with Bobrisky.
He stated: “Bobrisky never contacted me; I’ve never met him and have no knowledge of him. He allegedly spoke to my son, Folarin (Falz).”
Expanding on this, Falana said: “Yes, my son mentioned that this individual was reaching out for help. He called my son on May 4 of this year, asking for ₦3 million to secure a place in the prison’s VIP section. My son asked if this request was authorized by the prison superintendent. When Bobrisky said no, my son refused further contact, warning him about attempting to bribe prison officials.”
Falana went on to criticize the release of tapes accusing him of involvement, calling the claims “infantile radicalism.” He emphasized that he has helped over 280 convicted individuals receive pardons both in Nigeria and abroad, never once accepting any payment for his assistance.
While Falana has resisted filing criminal complaints, as he leads a team of West African lawyers advocating for the decriminalization of free speech, he stressed that defamation and blackmail are not protected forms of expression. He revealed plans to pursue civil action to restore his and his son’s reputations.
Falana added: “We have demanded a retraction and a public apology. If these are not forthcoming, we will proceed with civil litigation.”
