Controversial social media figure Martins Otse, widely recognized as VeryDarkMan, has issued an apology to human rights attorney Femi Falana, SAN, regarding his recent defamatory remarks directed at the esteemed lawyer.

During his appearance before the House of Representatives Joint Committee on Financial Crimes and Reformatory Institutions on Monday, VeryDarkMan expressed his disbelief in Falana's involvement in the alleged bribery accusations against crossdresser Idris Okuneye, known as Bobrisky, as well as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Nigeria Correctional Service.

He said, “Apparently, now, some people are taking advantage of what is going to target Femi Falana.

“Here, I apologise. It’s so sad that his name was inside that audio. I couldn’t believe as well; that is the part that irritated me more when I said I refuse to believe that he is a party to something like that.”

VeryDarkMan encouraged rapper Falz to collaborate with him in the battle against corruption in Nigeria. 

In a post on his Instagram account, VDM stated that if Falz witnessed the "nonsense" occurring at the House of Representatives investigative panel, he would reconsider the lawsuit he had filed against him.

In his words: “@falzthebahdguy if you see the nonzenze when Dey go on here you go drop lawsuit make we focus on the bad eggs when wan kpai country them don dey cast themselves here? Don’t get it twisted your father na my father in the struggle,,,if you were here you will understand,I no go defame baba FF Bless up,MAN TO MAN GOD BLESS YOU.”

VDM included a caption with the post, clarifying that Falz’s father, Femi Falana, continues to be a significant figure in the fight for justice.

He wrote: “I wish everyone is here to see how bad corruption has eaten deep into our system @falzthebahdguy is not about us na EFCC AND CORRECTIONAL CENTRE,YOUR FATHER FEMI FALANA REMAINS OUR FATHER IN THE STRUGGLE..much love.”

Falz and his father, Femi Falana (SAN), have threatened legal action against VDM for defamation after the social commentator released an audio recording allegedly featuring a conversation between Bobrisky and another individual. In this recording, it was claimed that Falana was assisting Bobrisky in obtaining a presidential pardon and had requested 10 million Naira for his services.

On Tuesday, VeryDarkMan posted a video in which Bobrisky asserted that she had bribed certain EFCC officials with 15 million Naira to have money laundering charges against her dismissed.

In response, the EFCC summoned both VeryDarkMan and Bobrisky regarding the bribery allegations involving its officials. The chairman of the EFCC, Ola Olukoyede, has also initiated an immediate investigation into these claims.

However, on Wednesday, Bobrisky labeled the widely circulated recording as “fake,” maintaining that she did not pay any sum to the anti-corruption agency and reaffirming that she had served her prison sentence.

Falz corroborated part of VeryDarkMan’s assertions in a warning letter directed at the activist. In this letter, he demanded a retraction of the allegations, stating that Bobrisky had contacted him seeking financial help of 3 million Naira to secure a VIP section in prison, a request he declined.

In response, VeryDarkMan, represented by his lawyer Deji Adeyanju, refuted any claims of defamation against the human rights lawyer. He clarified that the release of the audio recordings was intended to encourage a comprehensive investigation into Bobrisky’s claims, rather than to tarnish Falana’s reputation. 

He emphasized his respect for Falana’s contributions to human rights advocacy in Nigeria and expressed the belief that an investigation is warranted instead of pursuing defamation charges.