In a recent turn of events surrounding the controversial imprisonment of social media influencer Bobrisky, Nigerian rapper and activist Folarin Falana, popularly known as Falz, has come forward to address serious allegations that have surfaced.
The accusations, made by Martins “VeryDarkMan” Otse, involve a purported N15 million bribery scheme related to Bobrisky's imprisonment and allegations against Falz and his father, human rights activist Femi Falana.
The situation escalated when VeryDarkMan posted a leaked audio on Instagram in which Bobrisky allegedly implicated Falz and his father in a scheme to secure a presidential pardon during his time at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre. Bobrisky had been sentenced to six months in prison for currency abuse earlier this year, after money laundering charges against him were dismissed by Justice Abimbola Awogboro of the Federal High Court in Lagos.
Bobrisky’s Distress Call
Falz’s response clarified that he did not reach out to Bobrisky regarding any presidential pardon. Instead, he stated that Bobrisky initiated contact with him while incarcerated, expressing distress and requesting financial assistance. According to Falz, Bobrisky claimed he needed approximately N3 million to bribe officials for VIP treatment in prison.
A formal statement released by Falz’s legal team highlighted that on May 4, 2024, Bobrisky contacted Falz for a conversation. However, rather than asking for legal guidance, Bobrisky focused on his urgent need for financial help. The statement read, “Mr. Idris Okuneye, aka Bobrisky, contacted our client requesting a phone conversation with him. Our client gratuitously obliged... [and] stated that he was in distress and needed financial assistance of about N3,000,000.”
Legal Response to VeryDarkMan
Falz's legal representatives have since demanded a retraction from VeryDarkMan, who made allegations that Falz was involved in a homosexual affair and intended to assist Bobrisky in securing a presidential pardon. Falz's team described these statements as defamatory, calling for an apology and retraction across all platforms where the allegations were made. They threatened legal action if their demands were not met within 24 hours, underscoring the gravity of the situation and the need to protect Falz's reputation.
The Broader Context
The allegations against Falz occur within a larger narrative of corruption in Nigeria’s criminal justice system. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) is currently investigating claims that Bobrisky offered a N15 million bribe to officials to drop money laundering charges. Both Bobrisky and VeryDarkMan have been invited to provide testimony as part of this investigation.
EFCC Chairperson Ola Olukoyede has emphasized the importance of addressing these serious allegations. Meanwhile, the Nigerian Correctional Service is conducting its own inquiry into the claims, with spokesperson Abubakar Umar confirming that a report on their findings will be made available soon.
Bobrisky’s Denial
In a Facebook post, Bobrisky refuted the claims made in the leaked audio, labeling it as fake. He vehemently denied any wrongdoing or bribery, stating, “I didn’t pay EFCC money; it is a big lie. I served my term in full, and I came out.” He called into question the credibility of the allegations and urged his followers to disregard the misinformation circulating online.
As this saga continues to unfold, it highlights critical issues within Nigeria’s justice system, including the influence of wealth and corruption. Falz’s commitment to addressing the allegations and seeking accountability reflects a broader need for transparency and integrity in the country’s legal processes. The interplay between celebrity culture, legal challenges, and public perception remains a vital topic of discussion as the investigation progresses.
