social media influencer Martins Vincent Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan has denied that he defamed renowned Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and human rights lawyer, Mr Femi Falana.
The controversy erupted after VeryDarkMan released a video on Tuesday, claiming that Falana had demanded N10 million from a controversial cross-dresser, Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, in exchange for removing Bobrisky’s name from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) records.
In a letter issued on Wednesday by VeryDarkMan’s legal counsel, Deji Adeyanju, Esq., the lawyer said VeryDarkMan’s actions were aimed at prompting a thorough investigation into the allegations made by Bobrisky in a voice recording.
Adeyanju explained that VeryDarkMan’s intent was not to defame Falana but to seek clarity and accountability from the relevant authorities.
The letter also referenced a recent communication from Mr. Folarin Falana, popularly known as Falz, who is Falana’s son, through his legal representative, dated September 25, 2024, which acknowledged that Bobrisky spoke to him.
VeryDarkMan’s legal counsel reiterated that their client’s goal was to encourage transparency regarding the serious allegations, calling on Falana and others involved to allow an independent inquiry into the matter.
The statement reads, “We are Solicitors to Mr. Martins Vincent Otse (hereinafter referred to as our client) on whose instruction we act.
“Our client is in receipt of your letter dated September 25, 2024, on the above subject matter wherein you demanded for the retraction of his Instagram publication containing a voice recording between Mr. Okuneye Idris Olarenwaju (Bobrisky) and a third party.
“Our client denies defaming Mr. Femi Falana, SAN, a renowned Senior Advocate of Nigeria and globally recognised human rights activist, but asserts that he only published the said communication with a view to getting the relevant agencies, and even your client, to initiate a thorough investigation into the far reaching allegations made by Mr. Okuneye in the said voice recording, especially as some element of the voice recording has been confirmed by Mr. Folarin Falana in his solicitor’s letter of September 25, 2024.”
“Our client holds Mr. Femi Falana, SAN in very high esteem and recognises his commitment to the protection of human rights and rule of law in Nigeria. It is in the light of the foregoing that our client believes that the appropriate line of action in the circumstance is an interagency investigation into the allegations contained in the voice recording, rather than pursuing a case of defamation,” Adeyanju added.
Earlier, SaharaReporters had reported that the renowned lawyer and human rights activist, Falana, had given 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 Bobrisky in exchange for removing his name from the records of EFCC in his naira abuse case.
Olawanle characterised 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 emphasised 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.