In a recent viral video, social media personality Martins Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan, made explosive claims that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) dropped money laundering charges against popular cross-dresser Bobrisky after receiving a payment of ₦15 million. The allegations, which have sparked widespread debate, revolve around purported corruption within Nigeria’s anti-corruption agency.
Otse released a recorded conversation online, featuring a voice he asserts belongs to Bobrisky, discussing attempts to secure a presidential pardon with the assistance of lawyer Femi Falana and his son, musician Folarin Falana, widely known as Falz. In the recording, the voice is heard stating, “Falana and his son were trying to get me a presidential pardon in exchange for ₦10,000,000.”
While unveiling the audio, Otse suggested that he would lose respect for the Falanas if the allegations regarding their involvement with Bobrisky proved to be true. “If what Bobrisky is saying about them is true, then they have lost my respect,” he stated.
Falana Responds
In a swift rebuttal to the allegations, Femi Falana addressed the claims during an interview on Channels TV on Thursday, October 3, 2024. “Bobrisky never spoke to me. I have never met him. I do not know him from Adam. He was alleged to have spoken to my son, Folarin,” he clarified.
Falana denied any knowledge of a presidential pardon attempt, stating that Bobrisky had approached his son on May 4, requesting ₦3 million for placement in a special section of the prison. “My son said this guy (Bobrisky) was appealing to people for assistance… and said, ‘Can you give me ₦3 million to be placed in a special part of the prison — we call it VIP section,’” Falana recounted. He further revealed that Falz declined the request, emphasizing, “I’m unable to assist you to bribe the prison authorities. Please… if you are going to call me next time, you either do it through the superintendent, or you write a letter endorsed by the prison authorities.”
Falana threatened legal action against Otse, calling his claims “infantile radicalism” and asserting that he would seek to deter others from using social media to defame individuals.
EFCC Responds
Adding to the controversy, Bilikisu Bala, head of the EFCC’s prosecution team, dismissed Otse’s allegations during a session with the House of Representatives committee investigating the matter. Bala stated, “It is laughable for anyone to attribute the commission’s decision to drop the charges to monetary issues.” She emphasized that the EFCC made its decision based on the inability to sustain the charges against Bobrisky.
As the situation unfolds, both public figures and the EFCC are faced with the repercussions of these serious allegations, highlighting ongoing concerns regarding corruption and transparency within Nigeria’s institutions.
