In one of the recordings shared by the controversial media commentator Martin Otse, also referred to as VeryDarkMan, Bobrisky alleged that he had contacted Falz to seek his help in persuading his father (Falana) to facilitate a presidential pardon, which he claimed required a payment of N10 million.
Additionally, Bobrisky purportedly requested N3 million from Falz to obtain preferential treatment at Kirikiri Correctional Centre.
In another audio clip released by VeryDarkMan, Bobrisky asserted that he had paid N5 million in advance to a Senior Advocate of Nigeria in an effort to obtain a Federal Government pardon concerning charges brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.
However, in a letter dated 14 October 2024, from Falana’s legal representatives, Olorunfemi Akinyemi and Taiwo E. Olawanle, which was reviewed by our correspondent on Wednesday, Bobrisky was accused of making false and defamatory claims regarding the involvement of Falana and his son in the alleged bribery and pardon.
The legal team characterized Bobrisky’s assertions as completely baseless and harmful to Falana’s reputation. They demanded a comprehensive retraction and apology to be published across all platforms where the statements were made.
The letter read, “We are Counsel to Mr. Femi Falana SAN and Mr. Folarin Falana aka Falz (hereinafter referred to as ‘our clients’), on whose behalf we write this letter regarding your slanderous statements against them.
“We have confirmed that you took advantage of your recent imprisonment to extort money from a group of artists and other members of the public.
On May 4, 2024, you contacted Mr. Folarin Falana, widely recognized as Falz, and solicited the sum of N3,000,000 (Three Million Naira) in exchange for preferential treatment at Kirikiri Correctional Centre.
“Although Falz refused your request, you falsely claimed in a video that he told you his father, our client, had agreed to write a letter of pardon for you. You also stated that our client had spoken with you and that N10,000,000 (Ten Million Naira) was required to bribe officials to process your pardon.”
The letter continued, “In another video, you claimed to have paid N5,000,000 (Five Million Naira) upfront to a Senior Advocate of Nigeria to secure a Federal Government pardon over charges filed against you by the EFCC. You further alleged that the Senior Advocate initially requested N10,000,000 (Ten Million Naira) for his legal services but, due to your frozen account, you could not raise the full amount.”
Falana's legal representatives stated that no such discussion occurred and asserted that Bobrisky's claims were intended to manipulate the public for financial gain while damaging Falana's professional image.
“In fact, you have published a list of individuals who believed your fabricated story and contributed millions of naira, supposedly to pay our client to write a letter of pardon and bribe public officers on your behalf.
“Your decision to involve our client in your criminal activities was purely a figment of your imagination.
“Contrary to your baseless claims, you never instructed our client to write a letter of pardon for you,” the letter further stated.
In addition, the legal team underscored that Bobrisky had never engaged in any form of communication with Mr. Falana, nor had he authorized the latter to compose a letter of pardon on his behalf. Furthermore, the assertion regarding a N5 million payment was categorically refuted as baseless and devoid of any factual basis.
“It is clear that you made these defamatory statements recklessly, knowing full well that you did not call our client to request a letter of pardon. Our client has NEVER spoken to you regarding your pardon or any other matter,” the lawyers asserted.
“Given that our client has secured pardons for over 300 Nigerians convicted by military and civilian courts in Nigeria, Libya, Thailand, and The Gambia on a pro bono basis, your defamatory statements have severely damaged his reputation, both locally and internationally.
“We, therefore, demand an immediate retraction of your defamatory and derogatory statements, along with a prominently aired or published apology on all platforms where your false statements have been shared.
“If we do not receive your formal retraction and apology within 12 (twelve) hours of your receipt of this letter, we will proceed with our client’s instructions to pursue legal remedies, including seeking monetary damages, for your malicious defamatory statements.
“We hope you will urgently address the issues raised herein in your own best interest,” the legal team concluded.
The Lagos State High Court has issued an injunction against VeryDarkMan, ordering the removal of defamatory comments and videos concerning Falana and his son, Folarin, from all social media platforms.
Justice M.O. Dawodu presided over the case (suit no: ID/8584/GCM/2024) and delivered the ruling on Monday.
The court found that the publications made by VeryDarkMan on 24th September 2024, linking Bobrisky to Falz and his father, were indeed defamatory and caused harm to their public reputation.