The law firm of Falana & Falana’s Chambers has formally issued a demand for the retraction of defamatory statements made by popular Nigerian social media personality, Idris Okuneye, known as Bobrisky, against prominent Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Femi Falana.
In a letter addressed to Okuneye, the legal team, led by Olorunfemi Akinyemi and Taiwo E. Olawanele, accuses him of spreading false claims designed to damage the reputation of their client.
The controversy stems from Bobrisky’s recent public comments, in which he claimed that Falana’s son, musician and activist Folarin Falana, also known as Falz, was approached to secure a special pardon for Bobrisky during his legal entanglements. Bobrisky allegedly asked Falz to assist him in obtaining ₦3 million for securing his release from Kirikiri Correctional Centre.
The letter further highlights that Bobrisky falsely accused Falana of offering to bribe officials with ₦10 million for a pardon and of receiving ₦5 million as a down payment for legal services that he never provided.
Falana’s legal representatives strongly refuted these claims, calling them “a figment of [Bobrisky’s] fertile imagination.” They emphasized that their client had no involvement in any such negotiations, nor did he ever speak with Bobrisky regarding any pardon.
The law firm argued that the allegations were concocted to extort money from the public under the guise of needing funds to secure legal assistance from Falana.
The letter demands a full retraction and apology within 12 hours of receipt, warning that legal action will be taken if Bobrisky fails to comply.
Falana’s chambers stressed that these defamatory statements have not only tarnished the senior lawyer’s reputation but have also undermined the credibility of his longstanding pro bono work, particularly in securing pardons for over 300 Nigerians convicted in foreign courts.
This incident adds to the mounting legal troubles for Bobrisky, who is no stranger to controversy, as he continues to face scrutiny from both the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the public for his statements and actions.
Falana & Falana’s Chambers has assured the public that should the defamatory statements not be withdrawn, they will take all necessary legal steps to defend their client’s reputation.
