VeryDarkMan should be held accountable – Bobrisky

Popular Nigerian crossdresser, Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, has denied claims that he defamed prominent human rights lawyer Femi Falana and his son, rapper Falz, following their demand for a retraction and apology over an alleged defamatory audio recording.

“VeryDarkMan should be held responsible for the defamatory content circulating on social media,” Bobrisky responds to human rights activist and lawyer, Femi Falana, and his son, Folarin, popularly known as Falz.

Bobrisky response followed Falana and Falz’s demand for a public apology and retraction of defamatory statements made by Bobrisky, in audio recordings circulating online.

The crossdresser clarified that he never gave Falana or his son any money to get a presidential pardon during his prison ordeal.

In one of the recordings, shared by controversial media critic VeryDarkMan, Bobrisky claimed that he had spoken with Falz to request his help in convincing his father (Falana) to secure a presidential pardon, which allegedly cost N10 million.

The crossdresser also claimed that he asked Falz for N3 million to secure special treatment at Kirikiri Correctional Centre.

In another audio shared by VeryDarkMan, Bobrisky claimed to have paid N5 million upfront to a Senior Advocate of Nigeria in order to secure a Federal Government pardon for the charges filed against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

However, in a letter dated 14 October 2024, issued by Falana’s legal representatives, Olorunfemi Akinyemi and Taiwo E. Olawanle, described Bobrisky’s claims as entirely unfounded and damaging to Falana’s reputation. They demanded a full retraction and apology, to be published on all platforms where the statements were shared.

Responding to the demand, Bobrisky has rejected the voice in the recording as his, stating, “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.”

In a post via his official Instagram, Bobrisky maintained that he did not publish any defamatory statements and stands by his denial.

“The person that published an audio online should take full responsibility for what he posted in public,” he added, reiterating that the sharer of the defamatory content should be held liable for his action.

“My lawyer will respond to any further information the public wants about this ongoing issue trending on social media.”

In another post, the crossdresser wrote, “In reply to the two letters in circulation from the law firm of the Falanas. I like to state for the records and pending the official reply from my counsel, state for the avoidance of doubt that I Okuneye Idris Olarewaju aka Bobrisky did not publish any defamatory statement or statements concerning the learned SAN and his son Falz and that 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.

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