Human rights activist and lawyer Femi Falana has spoken publicly for the first time regarding accusations linked to a ‘presidential pardon’ allegedly involving himself, his son, a famous actor and musician Falz, and controversial crossdresser Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky.
In September, it was reported that social media influencer Martins Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan, shared a leaked audio recording of Bobrisky on Instagram.
In the audio, Bobrisky accused Mr. Falana and his son,Falz of offering to help secure a presidential pardon in exchange for N10 million while Bobrisky was incarcerated at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre.
Falz responded to these allegations, demanding an apology and a retraction from VeryDarkMan within 24 hours.
During an interview on Channels TV’s Politics Today with Seun Okinbaloye, Mr. Falana firmly denied any involvement, stating, “I have never met Bobrisky, and he has never spoken to me. It’s also been alleged that he contacted my son, Falz. My son informed me that Bobrisky reached out to him on 4 May, requesting N3 million to be transferred to gain VIP privileges within the prison.”
Falana added that his son refused to assist Bobrisky, saying, “My son told him that if he wanted to reach out again, it should be done through the prison superintendent or with an official letter, and that was the last time he heard from him.”
Concerning the House of Representatives’ decision to investigate claims that Bobrisky was housed in a VIP section of the prison, Mr. Falana expressed his surprise, stating it was hard to believe that the House was unaware of the existence of such facilities in Nigerian prisons.
He highlighted that the Correctional Service Act of 2019 contains provisions for dealing with misconduct by prison officers.
Reports indicated that the House summoned VeryDarkMan, Bobrisky, the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to address the allegations leveled. While Bobrisky did not attend the panel, the other parties were present and shared their perspectives.
Mr. Femi Falana equally denied claims that his son negotiated a N10 million deal with Bobrisky for a presidential pardon, reiterating that he has secured pardons for many convicts without ever requesting payment.
He further explained his decision not to file a criminal complaint against VeryDarkMan, citing his advocacy for freedom of expression. “I have resisted the temptation to file a criminal complaint because I lead a team of West African lawyers campaigning to decriminalize freedom of expression,” he said, adding that civil proceedings would be pursued to protect his and his son’s reputations.
The lawyer and activist criticized social media’s role in the spread of false information, saying, “This case is an example of how people spread defamatory allegations online without evidence. We’ve asked for an apology and a retraction, which is reasonable, but since that has not happened, we will pursue civil action in the High Court.”
