Falana Clears Air on Bobrisky Rumor, Pursues Defamation Claim

Falana Sues VeryDarkMan for Defamation
 

“We want to set an example with this case. We have requested a retraction and an apology...”

Bobrisky's EFCC Saga - Influencer Arrested, Charged with Money Laundering & Naira Mutilation | Acquitted of Money Laundering, Sentenced to 6 Months for Naira Abuse.

Femi Falana, a prominent lawyer and human rights activist, has denied allegations of helping Bobrisky (Idris Okuneye) get money laundering charges dropped by the EFCC. The controversy began when social media influencer Martins Otse (VeryDarkMan) shared a leaked audio on Instagram.

In the audio, Bobrisky claimed that Falana and his son, rapper Falz, offered to secure a presidential pardon in exchange for N10 million while Bobrisky was imprisoned at Kirikiri Correctional Centre. Falana has since refuted these allegations.

Lawyer and human rights activist Femi Falana has swiftly responded to the defamatory allegations made by VeryDarkMan, issuing a stern ultimatum. Falana demanded an unconditional apology and retraction of the false statements within 24 hours.

In a statement released on Thursday, Falana vehemently denied ever having any interaction or communication with controversial social media influencer Bobrisky. Falana's categorical dismissal of the allegations underscores the seriousness of the defamation claims and his determination to clear his name.

“I have never met Bobrisky, and he has never spoken to me. It's been alleged that he contacted my son, Falz,” Falana, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), said.

“My son told me Bobrisky reached out to him on 4 May, asking for N3 million to be placed in a VIP section of the prison, where he was seeking special accommodations.

“My son asked him if he was calling under the authorisation of the prison superintendent, and he said no. My son told him not to call again, as he would not assist in bribing prison authorities.

“He also warned him to be cautious, reminding him that he was already in jail for an offence. My son said, 'Please if you need to contact me again, do so through the Superintendent or with a letter endorsed by the prison authority'. And that was the last..”

Femi Falana debunked allegations that his son, Falz, brokered a N10 million deal with Bobrisky for a presidential pardon. Falana clarified that he has secured pardons for many convicts without conditions, underscoring his commitment to justice.

“I am surprised that the House of Representatives is pretending to be unaware that there's a VIP in prison, and they proceeded to set up a panel to assess the state of our correctional centres,” he said.

“The Correctional Service Act of 2019 has made provisions for addressing the misconduct of prison officers.”

Femi Falana has categorically denied allegations that his son, Falz, negotiated a N10 million payment with Bobrisky for a presidential pardon. Falana emphasized that he has a history of securing pardons for numerous convicts without charging them a dime. This revelation sheds light on Falana's commitment to justice and his willingness to help those in need without expecting financial gain.

It's worth noting that these allegations surfaced after social media influencer VeryDarkMan accused Bobrisky of paying the EFCC N15 million to clear his money laundering case, and also implicated Falana and his son Falz in the scandal. However, Falana has since demanded a retraction of the defamatory statements, reaffirming his integrity as a human rights advocate.

Femi Falana has voiced surprise over the House of Representatives' move to investigate claims that Bobrisky enjoyed VIP treatment during his prison term, expressing disbelief at the decision to form a probe committee.

“This is what I'm going to do. I have resisted the temptation to file a criminal complaint because I lead a team of West African lawyers campaigning for decriminalising freedom of expression,” he explained.

“We have successfully coordinated this campaign, which is being coordinated by the Media Foundation for West Africa, of which I am a board member. We have achieved this in Liberia, Ghana, and Sierra Leone, and we are still appealing to other countries on the continent to do the same.

“But this does not grant a license for defaming or blackmailing others. We're saying that if someone defames you, you should sue for libel. In this case, we will not file a criminal complaint; we won't be pressured.

“Instead, we will pursue civil proceedings to restore our integrity, my name, and that of my son, so that no one will recklessly rush to social media to defame any Nigerian.

“We want to set an example with this case. We have requested a retraction and an apology, which we believe is not too much to ask. Since neither has been provided or accepted, we expect him to initiate civil proceedings in the High Court.”

Bobrisky was arrested by the EFCC in April on money laundering and naira mutilation charges. He was later acquitted of money laundering but sentenced to six months in prison for naira abuse by Judge Abimbola Awogboro at the Federal High Court in Lagos.