Crime
‘I Owe No One An Apology’: Bobrisky Fires Back At Falana, Falz
Popular Nigerian cross-dresser and social media personality, Okuneye Idris Olanrewaju, widely known as Bobrisky, has responded to allegations of defamation brought against him by renowned human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN) and his son, the famous musician Folarin Falana, popularly known as Falz.
Bobrisky firmly denied the claims and declared that he owes no one an apology, amidst the ongoing public dispute.
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The controversy erupted after audio recordings surfaced online, shared by media critic Martin Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan (VDM).
In these recordings, Bobrisky allegedly claimed to have sought Falz’s help in convincing his father to secure a presidential pardon for N10 million.
The pardon was reportedly related to charges against Bobrisky by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Additionally, the cross-dresser was alleged to have requested N3 million from Falz to arrange special treatment at Kirikiri Correctional Centre, and to have already paid N5 million to a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) for the same purpose.
In response to these allegations, the Falanas demanded a public apology and retraction from Bobrisky.
However, in a series of Instagram posts, Bobrisky denied ever making defamatory statements about the Falanas and stood by his innocence.
He clarified that any defamatory content circulating online did not come from him and that the claims were false.
The post reads, “In reply to the two letters in circulation from the Law Firm of the Falanas, I would like to state for the record and pending the official reply from my counsel, for the avoidance of doubt, that I, Okuneye Idris Olanrewaju, aka Bobrisky, did not publish any defamatory statement or statements concerning the learned SAN and his son Falz.
“It is in the public domain, pursuant to my solicitor’s letter dated the 27th day of September 2024, that I have denied any knowledge of what VDM published.
“I stand by my express denial and put the matter to strict proof, advising that whoever has been defamed should hold the publisher of the defamatory content responsible, and my fundamental rights to privacy of my communications should be respected and protected.
“I, OKUNEYE Idris, aka BOBRISKY, didn’t give Falz or his dad any money for pardon. As a matter of fact, no penny was given to them. I have said this before, and I will say it again: the person that published an audio online should take full responsibility for what he posted in public.
“My lawyer will respond to any further information the public wants regarding this ongoing issue trending on social media.” It added
Crime
$345,000 Fraud: EFCC Withdraws Arrest Warrant For Mercy Chinwo’s Ex-Manager
The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has withdrawn the arrest warrant issued against Ezekiel Thankgod, the former manager of renowned gospel singer, Mercy Chinwo.
Biztellers reports that Thankgod is facing allegations of involvement in a $345,000 fraud case.
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The arrest warrant had been issued by Justice Alexander Owoeye of the Federal High Court on January 16, 2025, following an ex parte application by the EFCC seeking to compel Thankgod’s appearance in court.
During a court session on Friday, EFCC counsel, Mrs. Bilikisu Buhari, applied to withdraw the warrant, stating that the charges had already been served on Thankgod’s lawyer, Mr. Monday Ubani, SAN, during open court proceedings.
She argued that the warrant was no longer necessary.
Justice Owoeye granted the application and formally vacated the bench warrant.
Crime
Counsel To Otudeko Protests Alleged N12.3bn Fraud Charges
Oba Otudeko, Chairman of Honeywell Group, appeared in the Federal High Court in Lagos on Monday to challenge charges of N12.3 billion fraud.
Biztellers reports that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had filed a 13-count indictment against Otudeko, along with Olabisi Onasanya, former Managing Director of FirstBank Plc., Soji Akintayo, a former board member of Honeywell, and Anchorage Leisure Ltd.
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During the proceedings, the defendants’ lawyer, Mr. Bode Olanipekun (SAN), raised an objection, stating that the charge had not been properly served to Otudeko or his co-defendants.
Olanipekun emphasized this issue as a reason for protest in court.
The EFCC has accused the individuals and the company of fraudulently obtaining N12.3 billion under false pretenses.
More to follow………..
Crime
Arrested Boko Haram Suspects: Adeleke Commends Security Operatives, Assures Safety Of Residents
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has commended the personnel of the Department of State Services (DSS), on the successful operation, that led to the arrest of 10 suspected members of Boko Haram/Islamic State’s West Africa Province (ISWAP) in Ilesa, Osun State.
Gov Adeleke expressed his feelings in a statement on micro-blogging site, X, on Saturday.
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According to the statement, Gov Adeleke hailed the alertness of security operatives, to eliminate the threats posed by the suspected terrorists, which gives further assurance that our security agencies are up to the task of sustaining peace and security of every part of Nigeria.
He particularly commended the intelligence gathering of the personnel of the State Service, who have painstakingly monitor the activities of the suspected criminals and moved swiftly to cut off their dastardly act.
“This is a welcome development and a big relief, not just for us as a government but to the people of the state and Nigeria in general. I commend the security operatives for their alertness and intelligence driven operation. We have absolute confidence in our security forces to keep protecting us”, Gov Adeleke declared.
He assured that his administration will continue to cooperate with security agencies and support their operations to ensure maximum protection of lives and property of Osun people, noting that this remains top of his priority.
“As the Chief Security Officer of Osun State, I will continue to give priority to issues of security of my people. I will continue to support efforts of security agencies to guard against any breakdown of law and order in any part of Osun. We will sustain the good relationship and collaboration that currently exists between our administration and the security agencies in the state” the Governor noted.
Gov Adeleke enjoined residents of Osun to continue to be watchful, and report any suspicious activity in their neighborhoods to relevant security agency, while assuring that Osun will continue to be a peaceful state under his watch.
“I hereby call on my people to continue to live in peace and harmony and be at alert to report any suspicious activities or behavior around them to the relevant security authorities. Together, we will ensure that Osun remains the most peaceful state in Nigeria” he concluded.