Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Femi Falana has firmly stated that he does not know controversial crossdresser Idris Okuneye, widely known as Bobrisky. During an appearance on Channels Television’s *Politics Today* on Thursday, Falana emphasized that he has had no personal or professional dealings with Bobrisky.
The controversy arose after a blogger, Martins Otse (also known as VeryDarkMan), posted an audio clip alleging that Falana had sought a presidential pardon for Bobrisky in exchange for N10 million. However, Otse later appeared before the House of Representatives Joint Committee on Financial Crimes and Reformatory Institutions, where he apologized to Falana for his derogatory comments.
Falana clarified that he has assisted over 280 convicted individuals in obtaining pardons and stressed that neither he nor his law firm has ever demanded payment for such services.
He further detailed the conversation his son, Folarin Falana (popularly known as Falz), had with Bobrisky. According to Falana, Bobrisky contacted Falz on May 4, requesting N3 million to secure placement in a special area of the prison known as the VIP section.
Falana recounted, “My son asked him, ‘Are you calling me under the authorization of the superintendent of prisons?’ He said no. I told him, ‘Please don’t call me again; I am unable to assist you in bribing the prison authorities.’” He added that he advised Bobrisky to either communicate through the prison superintendent or submit a letter endorsed by prison authorities, marking the end of their interaction.
Falana expressed frustration over the rumors and defamation stemming from the situation, stating, “Somebody now started releasing tapes somewhere and went out to lampoon and rather defame me by saying the guy has spoken to me.”
