Controversial Nigerian crossdresser, Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, has firmly denied allegations that he defamed well-known human rights lawyer Femi Falana and his son, the musician Falz, in connection to an alleged bribe for a presidential pardon.
This follows a recent controversy over an audio recording that went viral, where Bobrisky was accused of claiming to have given the Falanas a large sum of money to secure his pardon after a conviction earlier this year.
The audio clip reportedly suggested that Bobrisky paid N10 million to the Falanas for their influence in obtaining a presidential pardon on his behalf. In response, both Femi Falana and his son Falz, through their lawyers, demanded a public apology and retraction from Bobrisky.
They issued a cease-and-desist letter giving Bobrisky a 12-hour deadline to issue the apology, insisting that the statements made in the recording were false and damaging to their reputations.
However, Bobrisky has come out strongly to refute the claims. He made it clear that he had never given any money to either Femi Falana or his son for a pardon or for any other purpose. In his words, “I, Okuneye Idris, aka Bobrisky, didn’t give Falz or his dad any money for pardon. As a matter of fact, no penny was given to them.”
Taking to Instagram, Bobrisky also explained that he should not be held responsible for the alleged defamatory remarks. He insists that he had no hand in the audio clip being published and has maintained his innocence regarding the matter.
In his Instagram post, he emphasized that the individual who released the audio should be the one held accountable for any harm caused. He stated, “The person that published an audio online should take full responsibility for what he posted in public.”
Bobrisky remains firm in his stance that he did not make any defamatory statements and should not be linked to the recording. He continues to place the blame on VDM, the publisher of the audio, insisting that any legal action or complaints of defamation should be directed towards them instead.
