Human rights lawyer Femi Falana has dismissed allegations made against him by blogger VeryDarkMan, describing them as "infantile radicalism." The blogger, whose real name is Martins Otse, had circulated a voice note in which popular crossdresser Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky, claimed to have paid ₦15 million to officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to drop money laundering charges. In the same voice note, Bobrisky allegedly stated that Falana had sought a presidential pardon for him in exchange for ₦10 million.
Falana categorically denied the claims and demanded an apology from VeryDarkMan, stating that the accusations were baseless and defamatory. "Infantile radicalism. Some young people today do not consider the legal implications of defamation. They simply go out to embarrass others," he said during a monitored program on Thursday.
The lawyer clarified that while he would not pursue criminal charges, he planned to take civil action to defend his reputation and that of his son, Folarin (Falz). "We are not filing a criminal complaint. Instead, we will initiate civil proceedings to restore our integrity. We are asking for a retraction and an apology, and if we don’t receive it, we will go to the High Court," Falana explained.
He also stated that he had no personal contact with Bobrisky. "I have never spoken to Bobrisky. I do not know him at all. The allegation was that he spoke to my son Folarin," Falana said, recounting how Bobrisky once contacted his son to request ₦3 million for special prison accommodations. Falana emphasized that his son declined the request and warned Bobrisky against trying to involve him in any bribery attempts.
Falana added that the voice note was part of a broader attempt to defame him and asserted that civil action would be taken if the apology and retraction were not forthcoming.
