In a strongly-worded statement released Friday, Folakemi Falana, daughter of renowned human rights lawyer Femi Falana, vehemently denied accusations of bribery and corruption involving her family and Nigerian socialite Bobrisky.
The allegations, which surfaced on social media, claimed that Femi Falana and his son, popular rapper Falz, had been involved in securing Bobrisky’s release from prison through improper means. These claims were propagated by a social media personality known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), who released audio recordings purportedly featuring Bobrisky discussing the matter.
Folakemi Falana took to Instagram to address the accusations, presenting a detailed rebuttal:
- She asserted that her father, Femi Falana, has never met or communicated with Bobrisky, directly or indirectly.
- According to Folakemi, Bobrisky had reached out to Falz, along with other celebrities, seeking financial assistance to stay in the VIP section of prison. She emphasized that this communication did not involve discussions of a presidential pardon.
- To counter claims of special treatment, Folakemi shared documents demonstrating that Falana & Falana, their family’s law firm, has been applying for presidential pardons free of charge since 2016.
- She clarified that in Nigeria, any individual can request a presidential pardon for a convicted person, suggesting that the process is more accessible than some may believe.
The statement also addressed more personal allegations, with Folakemi expressing dismay at accusations regarding her brother Falz’s sexuality and an alleged affair with Bobrisky. She condemned these claims as baseless and harmful.
“It’s crazy that some Nigerians act like they can’t read or think for themselves,” Folakemi wrote, criticizing the rapid spread of unverified information on social media.
In response to the controversy, Falz has issued a 24-hour ultimatum to VDM, demanding the removal of all defamatory statements. Folakemi has also threatened legal action, stating, “Seeing as you have refused to do the needful, #verydarkblackman see you in court.”
This incident highlights the ongoing challenges public figures face in the age of social media, where accusations can spread rapidly without verification. It also underscores the complexities surrounding the Nigerian legal system and public perceptions of high-profile cases.
As of press time, VeryDarkMan has not publicly responded to the Falana family’s statements or legal threats. The situation continues to develop, with many Nigerians closely following the unfolding drama on social media platforms.
