Renowned lawyer and human rights activist Femi Falana (SAN) has given self-proclaimed activist Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, 24 hours to “retract his offensive and derogatory publication” against him or face legal action.
In a letter from Falana's legal counsel, Taiwo E. Olawanle, on Wednesday, the activist was given 24 hours to retract his statements and issue a public apology.
The controversy stems from VeryDarkMan's claims that Falana demanded N10,000,000 (Ten Million Naira) from cross-dresser Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, in exchange for removing his name from the records of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Olawanle characterized VeryDarkMan's statements as "a vicious, wicked, and reckless ploy" designed to tarnish Falana's reputation among the public.
Olawanle stated emphatically that "WITHOUT ANY FEAR OF CONTRADICTION," Falana has never spoken to Bobrisky regarding any alleged pardon or any other matter.
He emphasized that while freedom of expression is a constitutional right, it must be exercised responsibly, and individuals should not damage another person's reputation through unfounded allegations.
Olawanle said, "We, therefore, demand immediate retraction of the offensive and derogatory publication as well as an apology prominently published in all the platforms to which you have disseminated it without any justification whatsoever.
"Be advised that if we do not receive your formal retraction and apology as demanded within 24 (twenty-four) hours of the receipt hereof, we shall proceed with our client's instructions to seek appropriate legal remedies, including monetary damages, against you for your incendiary publication and dissemination of defamatory statements.
"We hope that the salient issue raised herein will urgently be addressed by you in your own interest," he said.
Meanwhile, on Tuesday, VeryDarkman accused Bobrisky of failing to repay a debt of N4 million.
To support his claims, he leaked a video recording that purportedly reveals how the cross-dresser navigated his six-month jail term in April.
According to VeryDarkman, Bobrisky allegedly bribed EFCC officers with N15 million to drop money laundering charges against him.
In the same video, VeryDarkman alleged that Bobrisky paid N10 million to Falz (Folarin Falana) and his father (Femi Falana) to intercede on his behalf and plead for a pardon.
Following these allegations, the EFCC has launched an investigation into claims that some of its officers accepted N15 million from Bobrisky to dismiss the money laundering charges against him.
The inquiry, directed by EFCC Chairman Ola Olukoyede, comes in light of a viral audio recording in which Bobrisky, an ex-convict, made these allegations.
In a letter from Falana's legal counsel, Taiwo E. Olawanle, on Wednesday, the activist was given 24 hours to retract his statements and issue a public apology.
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