Entertainment
Bobrisky Denies Defamation Claims as Falana and Falz Demand Retraction
Controversial Nigerian crossdresser Idris Okuneye, widely known as Bobrisky, has responded to the 12-hour ultimatum issued by renowned human rights lawyer Femi Falana and his son, musician and activist Folarin Falana, better known as Falz.
The ultimatum, which demanded that Bobrisky retract defamatory claims made against the Falanas, stems from an audio recording leaked by social media commentator, VeryDarkMan, in September 2024.
In the leaked audio, Bobrisky allegedly made controversial statements about his interactions with Falz and his father while in prison, including accusations of bribery and unethical dealings.
According to the allegations, Falz purportedly contacted Bobrisky during his time in jail, promising assistance in securing a presidential pardon through his father’s influence.
There were also claims that Bobrisky paid a N15 million bribe to officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to dismiss charges of money laundering against him.
Furthermore, it was alleged that the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) received bribes to ensure Bobrisky was housed in VIP custody, shielding him from the harsher conditions of a regular prison cell.
Bobrisky was initially arrested in April 2024 by the EFCC on charges of money laundering and currency mutilation, which involved defacing the Naira in a viral social media post.
While the Federal High Court in Lagos dismissed the money laundering charges, Bobrisky was sentenced to six months imprisonment by Justice Abimbola Awogboro for the offence of Naira mutilation.
As a result of the leaked audio, Falana and Falz, who have built reputations as defenders of human rights and justice, swiftly took action.
They issued a cease-and-desist letter, demanding that Bobrisky retract the defamatory statements and publicly apologize within 12 hours.
However, Bobrisky has adamantly denied making any such defamatory statements against the Falanas.
In a series of posts on his Instagram story, Bobrisky addressed the situation head-on, maintaining his innocence.
He declared that he had never published any defamatory content related to Femi Falana, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), or his son Falz.
Bobrisky emphasized that the claims made against him were fabricated and attributed the responsibility to VeryDarkMan, the individual who initially leaked the audio.
“I, Okuneye Idris Olanrewaju, aka Bobrisky, did not publish any defamatory statements concerning the learned SAN, Falana, and his son Falz,” Bobrisky stated.
He added that he had previously denied any connection to the leaked audio in a solicitor’s letter dated September 27, 2024.
In his posts, Bobrisky insisted that he stood by his original denial and urged those affected by the alleged defamation to hold the publisher, VeryDarkMan, accountable.
He further stressed that his right to privacy in communication should be respected and protected by law.
This heated exchange comes just days after the Lagos State High Court ordered VeryDarkMan to remove all defamatory content targeting Falana and Falz within 21 days.
The court ruling was seen as a victory for the Falanas, who have been vocal about their stance against defamatory attacks on their character.
However, the controversy has continued to stir public debate, especially given Bobrisky’s massive following on social media and the complex legal issues surrounding privacy and defamation.
Femi Falana, a highly respected lawyer and activist, is known for his role in defending human rights and advocating for justice in Nigeria.
His son, Falz, has followed in his footsteps, using his platform as a musician to speak out against corruption, police brutality, and government malpractice.
Falz, a vocal participant in the #EndSARS movement, has established himself as one of Nigeria’s most politically conscious artists, blending his music career with his activism.
Bobrisky, on the other hand, has long been a controversial figure in Nigeria due to his crossdressing and bold personality, which challenge traditional societal norms.
His arrest earlier in the year only added to his notoriety, with his legal battles drawing widespread media attention.
Despite the numerous controversies surrounding him, Bobrisky maintains a large and loyal fan base, and his social media presence continues to be influential in the country.
The allegations of bribery and corrupt dealings involving the EFCC and NCoS have only added fuel to the fire, raising questions about the integrity of Nigeria’s judicial and correctional systems.
As the case continues to unfold, all eyes remain on the key players involved, with many waiting to see how the legal battle between Bobrisky and the Falanas will be resolved.
This high-profile feud has drawn attention to the broader issues of defamation, privacy rights, and accountability in Nigeria.
While Bobrisky has made it clear that he will not comply with the Falanas’ demands, the legal implications of the case are far from settled, and the situation is expected to develop further in the coming days.
Nigerian actress Patience Ozokwor has spoken about parenting and shared advice with parents who overprotect and shield their children from the hardships of the real world.
The actress explained that excessive protection may not help children, as they may not learn how to cope with or adjust to life’s challenges. She reflected on her own approach to parenting and said “The fastest way to ruin a child’s life is to say you don’t want them to suffer the way you did.”
She added “When you’re gone, they may start fighting over your property. I told my son, ‘My house isn’t yours. Go and work for your own.’”
Priscilla Ojo and her husband, Juma Jux, have barred actress Lizzy Anjorin from posting about their son or about them on social media.
The couple filed the matter in court, and an interim order has officially been granted restraining the actress from publishing, posting, circulating, uploading or broadcasting photographs of their son on social media platforms.
The order also restrains Anjorin from publishing or broadcasting content concerning the couple on her social media platforms.
It can be noted that the actress and Priscilla’s mother, Iyabo Ojo, have been in a public dispute, and it appears the situation remains quite serious.
Former BBNaija housemate Tochi has shared relatable advice with his fellow ex-housemates, urging them to build their lives beyond the focus on celebrity.
He advised them to develop real careers and businesses, noting that not everyone may succeed solely from the fame gained from the reality show.
Tochi said “Pack celebrity nonsense and hustle. Not everyone is destined to make it from the show.”
He shared a relatable insight, noting that not everyone will become successful through the show and that ex-housemates should avoid getting lost in fame, as fame may eventually fade.
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