Popular Nigerian crossdresser Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky, has denied allegations that he made defamatory statements about prominent human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, and his son, musician and activist Folarin Falana, popularly known as Falz.
This follows a demand from the Falanas’ legal team for a public apology and retraction of statements made in audio recordings circulating online.
The recordings, shared by controversial media critic Martin Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan, reportedly contain claims by Bobrisky that he sought Falz’s help in persuading his father to secure a presidential pardon, allegedly costing N10 million.
Bobrisky also allegedly requested N3 million from Falz for special treatment while detained at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre.
In another audio, Bobrisky is said to have claimed he paid N5 million upfront to a Senior Advocate of Nigeria in an attempt to secure a Federal Government pardon over charges filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
In a letter dated October 14, 2024, issued by Falana’s legal representatives, Bobrisky was accused of spreading false information that damaged the reputation of both Femi Falana and Falz. The legal team demanded a full retraction and apology to be published across the platforms where the allegations were made.
Bobrisky, in his response shared on social media, denied the allegations, insisting he never paid any money to Falana or his son. “I, Okuneye Idris aka Bobrisky, didn’t give Falz or his dad any money for a pardon. As a matter of fact, no penny was given to them. I have said this before, and I will say it again,” he wrote on his Instagram story.
He further argued that responsibility for the defamatory content lay with Martin Otse, who published the audios. “The person that published the audio online should take full responsibility for what he posted in public,” Bobrisky added.
In a subsequent post, the crossdresser reiterated his position, stating, “I did not publish any defamatory statements concerning the learned SAN and his son Falz. I deny any knowledge of what VDM published. Whoever has been defamed should hold the publisher responsible.”
Bobrisky concluded by asserting his rights to privacy and said his lawyer would address any further queries regarding the issue.
The legal dispute between the parties continues to generate attention, with both sides seeking to clear their names amid the controversy.
