Nigerian rapper and activist, Folarin Falana, popularly known as Falz, through his legal counsel, Falana & Falana’s Chambers, has issued a formal demand for the retraction and apology regarding a defamatory statement published on Instagram and Twitter by Martins Vincent Otse popularly known as Verydarkblackman.
The said publication was posted on Instagram @everydarkblackman and Twitter @thatverydarkmnn.
In a legal letter dated September 26, 2024, from the Falana & Falana’s Chambers, which was signed by Taiwo E. Olawanle, a post by Verydarkblackman, on September 25, 2024, allegedly implicated Falz and his father, renowned lawyer Femi Falana, in a controversy involving popular social media personality, Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky.
The Instagram post reportedly insinuated that Falz and his father were involved in an inappropriate relationship with Bobrisky, and suggested that Falz might have used his influence to secure a presidential pardon for Okuneye.
According to the letter issued by Falz’s legal team, the post made several false claims, including an allegation that the rapper was complicit in obstructing justice for financial gain.
In the letter, Falz’s lawyers clarified that their client had never initiated any communication with Bobrisky adding that on the contrary, it was Bobrisky who contacted Falz on May 4, 2024, requesting a conversation.
The letter further explained that Bobrisky, who was jailed for six months having been found guilty of Naira abuse, sought financial assistance from Falz during their conversation.
The letter claimed that Bobrisky allegedly asked for N3 million to pay officials at a correctional facility to secure preferential treatment, which Falz reportedly advised against and disapproved of any attempt to bribe officials.
Falz’s legal team expressed deep concern over the “false, misleading, and defamatory” nature of the Instagram and Twitter posts, stating that it was a deliberate attempt to damage the reputation of their client.
The letter condemned the post as a “vicious, wicked and reckless” attack aimed at tarnishing Falz’s public image, especially given his strong advocacy for human rights and social justice.
The letter concludes with a demand for an immediate retraction of the defamatory statement, and a public apology to be posted on all platforms where the allegations were disseminated.
Falz’s legal team has warned that failure to comply within 24 hours will result in legal action, including claims for monetary damages.
