Controversial transvestite Idris 'Bobrisky' Okuneye has denied defaming human rights lawyer Femi Falana and his son, rapper Falz. He also rejected her demand for retraction and apology.
The alleged defamatory post is a controversial audio recording credited to Bobrisky last month. Bobrisky has denied that the voice made claims about Falana and that his prison sentence earlier this year was his.
He denied giving money to Falana and Falz, contrary to the leaked audio recording in which a person who sounded exactly like him told someone how the father and son demanded N10 million to help him obtain a presidential pardon for his conviction earlier this year.
“I, Okuneye Idris aka Bobrisky, did not give money to Falz or his father to forgive me. In fact, not a cent was given to them. “I have said this before and I will say it again,” he said in a statement he posted via his Instagram page on Wednesday.
PREMIUM TIMES previously reported that Falana and his son issued a 12-hour ultimatum to Bobrisky to apologize and retract his defamatory statement in a cease and desist letter on Monday.
The letter, issued through the law firm Falana and Falana's Chambers and signed by Olorunfemi Akinyemi and Taiwo E. Olawanle, warned that failure to comply with the demands by the transvestite would lead to legal action.
In September, this newspaper reported that Bobrisky, in an audio leaked by social media influencer Martins 'VDM' Otse, alleged that Falana and Falz approached him for a N10 million presidential pardon.
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Bobrisky allegedly alleged that Falz contacted him on his father's behalf to arrange a pardon.
However, in a subsequent audio leaked by VDM in October, the transvestite alleged that his godfather paid N5 million to an anonymous Senior Lawyer of Nigeria (SAN) to obtain a pardon.
Bobrisky did not mention Falz or his father in the second audio in which he alleged that SAN submitted the pardon application to President Bola Tinubu on his behalf.
Meanwhile, in response to the cease and desist letter from Falana and his son, Bobrisky, in a series of posts on his Instagram story on Wednesday night, denied defaming Falana and his son.
He also denied paying them (Mr Falana and Falz) N10 million to obtain a presidential pardon during his six-month imprisonment at the Kirikiri Correctional Center in Lagos.
“In response to the two circulating letters from the Falanas law firm,” he wrote, adding that “pending the official response from my lawyer… I, Okuneye Idris Olanrewaju, also known as Bobrisky, did not publish any defamatory statement or statements about the wise SAN. (Falana) and her son, Falz.”
He continued: “And that it is public knowledge, pursuant to my lawyer's letter dated September 27, 2024, that I have denied any knowledge of what VDM published.”
Hold the editor accountable
The transvestite stated that he stands by his previous denial of any link to the controversial audio recordings and added that anyone who felt defamed by them should hold the publisher responsible.
“I stand by my express refusal and put the matter to strict test and advise that whoever has been defamed must hold the publisher responsible for the defamatory content and my fundamental rights to the privacy of my communications must be respected and protected.”
He again denied giving money to Mr Falana and his son, adding: “The person who posted an audio online must take full responsibility for what he posted in public.”
He added that his lawyer would ensure that the public receives all necessary information about the allegations.
“My attorney will respond to any additional information the public desires regarding this current topic that is trending on social media. Before some of you leave comments on my page, find a lawyer to advise you,” Bobrisky said.
On Tuesday, this newspaper reported that the Lagos State High Court ordered social media influencer, VeryDarkMan (VDM), to remove defamatory videos and comments directed at renowned lawyer Falana and his son, Falz, within 21 days. .
The ruling was issued on Monday by Justice MO Dawodu, following Mr Falana's preliminary application, which sought to prevent further defamation by VDM.
The court ordered VDM to remove and stop the distribution or circulation of the defamatory content, initially published on September 24 through its social media channels, in relation to Mr Falana and his son.
Background
Since VDM leaked the two audio recordings of Bobrisky's prison conversations, the matter has sparked widespread controversy.
This newspaper reported that the allegations include an alleged bribe of N15 million paid to officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to drop money laundering charges against Bobrisky.
Furthermore, the allegations also include that the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) received bribes to place Bobrisky in VIP custody instead of a standard prison cell.
In response to the allegations, the anti-graft agency and NCoS launched investigations into the matter, while the House of Representatives launched hearings, which are currently ongoing.
In April, this newspaper reported that the EFCC arrested Bobrisky on six charges, including money laundering and mutilation of Naira, but during his trial at the Federal High Court in Lagos, Justice Abimbola Awogboro dismissed the money laundering charges (charges five and six) at the EFCC headquarters. request, but sentenced Bobrisky to six months in prison for abuse of Naira.
The judge, however, sentenced the transvestite to six months in prison without the option of a fine.
Bobrisky began serving his sentence on March 24, the day he was arrested, and was released from Kirikiri Correctional Center on August 5.