Seunfunmi Joshua
The Nigerian entertainment and legal landscape has recently been rocked by an unexpected controversy involving two prominent figures. On one side is Bobrisky, Nigeria’s most controversial social media influencer, known for pushing boundaries and embracing self-expression. On the other is VDM, an influencer who has publicly accused popular artist and activist Falz, along with his father, renowned human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), of manipulating the law to shield Bobrisky from legal repercussions.
VDM’s allegations suggest that Bobrisky, who has faced multiple legal challenges, including investigations from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), should have been imprisoned for financial crimes. However, VDM claims that Falz and his father used their legal influence to ensure Bobrisky’s freedom, allowing her to continue her activities without interference. Below are the key factors that led to this controversy:
- Naira Abuse: Court Sentence Bobrisky To Jail
Bobrisky has had recurring issues with Nigerian authorities. She has been investigated multiple times for financial misconduct, including accusations of Naira abuse. The EFCC, Nigeria’s anti-corruption agency, has reportedly been monitoring her lavish lifestyle, suspecting it doesn’t align with her declared income sources.
The tipping point came during one of Bobrisky’s extravagant parties, where videos surfaced online showing her throwing stacks of Naira notes into the crowd. These visuals, which went viral on social media, sparked outrage and led to further scrutiny. The EFCC, already investigating Bobrisky for other financial infractions, launched a probe into her actions.
Following this, Bobrisky was summoned to court, where she was charged with Naira abuse. The court found Bobrisky guilty and sentenced her to six months in prison without the option of a fine.
- 15M Bribe Allegations By Media Influencer VeryDarkMan (VDM)
The bribe allegations surfaced when social media influencer Martins Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan (VDM), released a viral audio recording claiming that Bobrisky had paid ₦15 million to unnamed officers.
VDM further alleged that after Bobrisky’s conviction in April for Naira abuse, her “godfather,” in collaboration with the controller-general of the Nigerian Correctional Service, arranged for her to serve her six-month prison sentence in a private apartment instead of a correctional facility. VDM expressed outrage on social media, accusing the Falanas of hypocrisy. He argued that for a family that publicly champions justice and accountability, assisting someone in evading the law is a serious ethical breach. He claimed that the Falanas were “breaking the rule of law,” contradicting their strong stance on justice issues in Nigeria.
- Falz And The Falana’s Response
Falz quickly responded to VDM’s allegations, challenging the influencer to provide evidence to support the claims. He stated that public figures like him and his father are often targets of fabricated stories meant to tarnish their reputations.
In a letter sent by his lawyers to VeryDarkMan, Femi Falana denied any involvement in Bobrisky’s case. The letter demanded a retraction of the defamatory statements within 24 hours. It emphasized that Falana had never communicated with Bobrisky regarding her conviction or any potential pardon. The letter warned that failure to retract the claims would result in legal action.
- Verydarkman Arrived National Assembly In Strange Company Alongside His Lawyer Deji Adeyanju
Verydarkman made a dramatic entrance at the National Assembly Complex with his lawyer for a joint investigation into allegations involving crossdresser Bobrisky, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), and the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS). The investigation was triggered by a leaked voice recording, where Bobrisky allegedly bribed EFCC officers with N15 million and received preferential treatment while serving a prison sentence.
Verydarkman, dressed in Edo traditional attire and accompanied by a herbalist, demanded that Bobrisky and the EFCC chairman be present before he would testify. The House of Representatives began looking into the bribery accusations, with VDM asserting that the voice recording was authentic and not AI-generated.
- Correctional Centre Suspends Officers
The Civil Defence, Correctional Fire, and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) has suspended four officers linked to corruption cases. A video from one senior officer denying receiving his suspension letter recently surfaced online, prompting a response from the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS).
In a statement signed by Assistant Controller of Corrections, Umar Abubakar, the service dismissed the officer’s claim as an act of misconduct, clarifying that all four officers were suspended to allow for investigations. Those suspended include senior officers from custodial centers in Lagos, Abuja, and Ebonyi. The service emphasized that any officers found guilty would face penalties in accordance with public service rules.
The suspension letters were issued on September 26, 2024, and communicated to the officers involved. The NCoS assured the public that thorough investigations will be conducted.
- Public Reactions
With many of Falz’s fans rallying behind him, praising his swift and direct response to the allegations, some suggest VDM’s accusations as a desperate attempt to gain attention by targeting one of Nigeria’s most socially conscious celebrities.
However, some observers noted that the accusations played into the broader belief that Nigeria’s justice system often favors the wealthy and well-connected.
Conclusion,
As this legal drama unfolds, the public is watching closely to see how it will impact the reputations of all parties involved. VDM has sparked an important conversation about the intersection of justice, power, and influence in Nigeria. Whether or not the allegations are true, this situation serves as a reminder of the critical need for transparency and accountability—especially for public figures who claim to stand for justice.
Keep an eye out on our page for regular updates on this story.
