Popular Nigerian crossdresser, Idris Okuneye, known as Bobrisky, has denied allegations that he paid human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) and his son, musician and activist Folarin Falana, popularly known as Falz, to secure a presidential pardon during his past legal ordeal. Bobrisky is now urging that the controversial media critic, Martin Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan, be held responsible for spreading defamatory content about the situation on social media.
The controversy began when audio recordings shared by VeryDarkMan went viral, in which Bobrisky allegedly claimed to have contacted Falz to ask for his father’s help in securing a presidential pardon, which was purported to have cost N10 million. In the recordings, Bobrisky also allegedly mentioned asking Falz for N3 million for special treatment while detained at Kirikiri Correctional Centre.
Additionally, another audio revealed that Bobrisky had allegedly paid N5 million upfront to a Senior Advocate of Nigeria in a bid to secure a pardon from the Federal Government on charges filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
In response, Femi Falana’s legal team, led by Olorunfemi Akinyemi and Taiwo E. Olawanle, issued a letter dated October 14, 2024, accusing Bobrisky of making false and defamatory statements. The letter demanded a full retraction and public apology from the crossdresser across all platforms where the statements were circulated, citing damage to Falana’s reputation.
Reacting to the legal demand, Bobrisky took to social media, insisting he never gave any money to Falana or his son for a pardon. He called on Falana’s legal team to hold VeryDarkMan accountable for sharing the defamatory content.
In a post on his Instagram story, Bobrisky wrote, “I, Okuneye Idris aka Bobrisky, didn’t give Falz or his dad any money for a pardon. No penny was given to them. The person that published the audio online should take full responsibility for what he posted in public.”
Bobrisky also emphasized that his legal team is ready to address the matter, stating that his fundamental rights to privacy should be respected. In another post, the crossdresser reiterated that he had no part in the publication of defamatory statements and called on those who feel defamed to pursue legal action against the original publisher of the audio recordings.
The ongoing legal battle between Bobrisky and the Falanas continues to attract public attention as both parties prepare for possible further actions in court.
