Bobrisky Reacts After Femi Falana, Falz Asked Him To Apologize For Defaming Them

Nigerian crossdresser, Bobrisky has denied defaming human rights lawyer Femi Falana and his son, rapper Falz, and has rejected their demand for a public apology or retraction.

The accusations stem from an audio recording that surfaced last month, allegedly featuring Bobrisky making claims about paying Falana and his son N10 million to secure a presidential pardon for his earlier imprisonment.

Bobrisky, however, insisted that the voice in the audio is not his and denied ever making such statements.

In a statement shared on Instagram on Wednesday, Bobrisky made it clear that he did not give any money to Falana or his son.

“I, Okuneye Idris, aka Bobrisky didn’t give Falz or his dad any money for pardon. As a matter of fact, no penny was given to them. Have said this before and I will say it again,” he wrote.

This follows a cease-and-desist letter sent by Falana and Falz on Monday, giving Bobrisky 12 hours to issue a public apology and retract the alleged defamatory statements.

The letter, signed by lawyers from Falana & Falana’s Chambers, warned that failure to comply would result in legal action.

In September, social media influencer VeryDarkMan leaked an audio clip where someone, sounding like Bobrisky, claimed that Falana and Falz approached him for money to secure a presidential pardon.

A later audio clip released in October made no mention of Falana or his son, but Bobrisky allegedly stated that his godfather paid N5 million to a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) to handle the pardon.

In response to the Falanas’ legal demand, Bobrisky posted a series of messages on Instagram, denying any involvement in the leaked audio.

He reiterated that he did not defame Falana or Falz, nor did he pay them for any pardon during his six-month imprisonment at Kirikiri Correctional Centre.

The crossdresser also emphasized that he had already publicly denied any connection to the recordings, and stated that whoever feels defamed should hold the publisher responsible, not him.

“In reply to the two letters in circulation from the law firm of the Falanas,” he wrote, adding that “pending the official reply from my counsel…I Okuneye Idris Olanrewaju aka Bobrisky did not publish any defamatory statement or statements concerning the learned SAN (Falana) and his son, Falz.”

He continued, “And that it is in the public domain pursuant to my solicitor’s letter dated the 27th day of September 2024 that I have denied any knowledge of what VDM published.”

He also reiterated that he never gave any money to the Falanas and that the person who published the audio should be held responsible.

“I stand by my express denial and put the matter to strict proof and advise that whoever has been defamed should hold the publisher of the defamatory content and my fundamental rights to privacy of my communications should be respected and protected.”

The crossdresser again denied giving Mr Falana and his son money, adding, “The person that published an audio online should take full responsibility for what he posted in public.”

Bobrisky concluded by saying that his lawyer would provide any further information regarding the matter and urged people to seek legal advice before commenting on the issue.

“My lawyer will respond to any further information the public wants about this ongoing issue trending on social media. Before some of you drop comments on my page please look for a lawyer to advise you,” said Bobrisky.

Meanwhile, the Lagos State High Court has ordered VeryDarkMan to remove any defamatory content about Femi Falana and Falz from social media within 21 days.