News
Falana Gives Bobrisky 12-Hr Deadline To Apologise, Retract Defamatory Claim Or…
…legal fireworks
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Femi Falana (SAN), has demanded a public retraction and apology from popular crossdresser Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky, over allegations that Falana requested N10 million to facilitate a presidential pardon.
In a a letter dated October 14, 2024, issued by Falana’s legal representatives, Olorunfemi Akinyemi, Esq., and Taiwo E. Olawanle, Esq., Bobrisky was accused of making defamatory and false statements regarding Falana’s involvement in the alleged bribe.
Bobrisky had claimed in audios circulating online that Falana had requested N10 million to secure a presidential pardon for him following his recent imprisonment, adding that he had already paid N5 million to a Senior Advocate of Nigeria to secure the pardon.
The legal team stated that Bobrisky’s claims were entirely baseless and damaging to Falana’s reputation.
They demanded a full retraction and apology, which should be prominently published on all platforms where the statements were disseminated.
Should Bobrisky fail to comply within 12 hours of receiving the letter, Falana’s lawyers warned they would pursue legal action, including claims for monetary damages.
The letter, obtained by SaharaReporters, further revealed that Bobrisky had attempted to solicit N3 million from rapper Folarin Falana (Falz), Falana’s son, claiming that the lawyer had promised to secure a special accommodation at Kirikiri Correctional Centre.
Falana’s legal team made it clear that no such conversation ever took place and that Bobrisky’s claims were aimed at extorting money from the public while tarnishing Falana’s professional standing.
The letter reads, “We are Counsel to Mr. Femi Falana SAN (hereinafter referred to as “our client) on whose behalf we write this letter regarding your slanderous statement against him.
We have confirmed that you took advantage of your recent imprisonment to extort money from a group of artists and other members of the public. You would recall that you called Mr. Falarin Falana, popularly known as Falz, on May 4, 2024, and requested him to assist you with the sum of N3,000,000 (Three Million Naira) to secure a special place in the Kirikiri Correctional Centre
Even though Falz turned down your request you were quoted in a video to have said that he informed you that his father, our client, had undertaken to write a letter of pardon for you. You also said that our client had spoken to you and that the sum of N10,000,000 (Ten Million Naira) would be needed to bribe officials who would process the application for your pardon.”
It continued, “In another video, you claimed that you had paid N5,000,000 (Five Million Naira) upfront to a Senior Advocate of Nigeria in an attempt to secure a Federal Government pardon over the charges filed against you by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
You also claimed that the Senior Advocate of Nigeria had initially requested N10,000,000 (Ten Million Naira) for his legal services but that you explained to him that you were unable to raise the full amount as your account had been frozen by the EFCC.”
Falana’s legal team noted that Bobrisky set out to enrich himself at the expense of their client’s reputation.
“In fact, you have since published a list of persons who believed your concocted story and donated millions of Naira to pay our client to write a letter of pardon and bribe some unnamed public officers on your behalf.
“Your decision to involve our client in the criminal enterprise was a figment of your fertile imagination.
Contrary to your spurious claims, you never briefed our client to write a letter of pardon for you,” the letter reads.
The legal team explained that Bobrisky has never spoke to their client or instructed him to write a letter of pardon for him.
They further denied that Bobrisky made a part payment of N5,000,000 (Five Million Naira) to their client and that their client never informed him that he had submitted a letter of pardon on his behalf.
“You will agree with us that you made all these defamatory statements in a reckless manner when you knew that you did not call our client on the phone to instruct him to write a letter of pardon on your behalf. Our client has NEVER spoken to you on your pardon or any subject whatsoever,” the lawyers said.
The statement continues, “Having regard to the fact that our client has secured pardon for not less than 300 Nigerians convicted by military and civilian courts in Nigeria, Libya, Thailand and The Gambia on a pro bono basis, your defamatory statements have severely damaged his reputation at home and abroad.
“We, therefore, demand the immediate retraction of the defamatory and derogatory statements as well as an apology prominently aired or published on all the platforms to which you have disseminated the offensive statement without any justification whatsoever.
“Be advised that if we do not receive your formal retraction and apology as demanded within 12 (twelve) 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 defamatory statements.
“We hope that the salient issues raised herein will urgently be addressed by you in your own interest,” they added.
On Tuesday, SaharaReporters reported that the Lagos High Court had issued an interim order restraining Martins Vincent Otse, known as VeryDarkMan, from further publishing defamatory content about the renowned human rights lawyer
The court directed VeryDarkMan, his agents, and any associates to remove the defamatory videos and comments posted on September 24, 2024, across all his social media platforms.
Justice M.O. Dawodu granted the order on Monday, pending Otse’s compliance with the Pre-Action Protocol of the court.
The ruling comes in response to a lawsuit numbered ID/8586GCM/2024, filed by Falana against VeryDarkMan.
News
Just in: Final knockout for Fubara as Supreme Court refuses to grant stay of execution request
It is final blow as he Supreme Court today, denied Fubara Stay of Execution asking the counsels to the Rivers state Government to obey the Apoeal Court judgment while their Appeal are been heard.
Fubara and his 3 Lawmakers may have to kiss the dust with this latest development.
Information reaching me Sat’s INEC will this week announce dates for Bye election into the vacant seats.
More details shortly…
News
University Don Tells FG To Sanction NUPENG President, General Secretary Over Failure To Curtail Tanker Fire Fatalities*
By Kayode Sanni-Arewa
Victims of Wednesday’s inferno in Jigawa State where over 100 people were burnt to death have received sympathy from an American based Professor of Humanity who called on the Federal government to sanction the leadership of Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) over failure to curtail incessant deaths arising from tanker-related accidents across the country.
Professor Josephine T. Abubakar from University of Maryland, United States also commiserated with the families who lost loved ones in the tragic incident and prayed that God grant them the fortitude to bear the loss.
In a statement she made available to newsmen on Wednesday, October 16, 2024 she said Nigerian ministry of petroleum resources in collaboration with the National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) need to activate Safe-To-Load Initiative to mitigate incessant petroleum products tanker accidents and ensuing fire outbreaks in Nigeria.
The University don said, “It is highly irresponsible of an oil Union like NUPENG, especially its General Secretary, Afolabi Olawale for not reacting officially to a national tragedy caused by one of the branches of its union, PTD in particular. This is horrible and unbelievable, over 100 lives met their untimely death. NUPENG should not only be seen collecting multiple levies and dues from Tanker Drivers, but should be seen putting adequate safety measures in place to avoid fatalities like the one the country witnessed on Wednesday.
“The deaths was a colossal loss for Nigeria, and what made it more worrisome and heart-rending was that it could be avoided but NUPENG and PTD have failed in their responsibilities, rather they concentrate on bickering over leadership tussle, legal fireworks and other ventures that can bring pecuniary gains for them at the expense of their defenseless members. It’s a shame that Augustine Egbon, a stooge in PTD who was hand-picked to be the National Chairman has also been silent about this recent calamity. NUPENG has outrightly failed Nigeria to say the least.
“However, this is the best time for the Nigerian government to look into the activities of NUPENG and PTD so that public safety and security will no longer be put into jeopardy. Nigeria has lost many lives as a result of negligence, weak and incompetent leadership in NUPENG and PTD who cannot even fix its internal crisis but disgracing themselves on the pages of newspapers and the internet on a daily basis.
“The call also goes to Nigerian ministry of petroleum resources to collaborate with the National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) so as to activate Safe-To-Load Initiative to mitigate incessant petroleum products tanker accidents and ensuing fire outbreaks in Nigeria.
“PTD used to be known for operational excellence and robust safety checklist for loading of petroleum products at terminals, retail outlets and depots but since Afolabi came to the saddle as General Secretary, the Union has been in tatters. Government must overhaul NUPENG and PTD, if need be, Afolabi and the President should be sacked while the DSS can take over the affairs of the union, until a proper election is conducted. There is nothing new, this has happened in NUPENG before”, she said.
The professor further appealed to Tinubu led government to be committed in ensuring safe roads for petroleum products distribution in the country and as well continue to create laudable interventions that can cushion the hardships faced by tanker drivers in their task of distributing products across the country, while also stressing that law enforcement agencies must as well show cooperation, support and provide security/succor for the hardworking tanker drivers.
News
Impeachment Plot: Akpabio Cautions Nigerians To Disregard Media Report
By Gloria Ikibah
The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio, has admonished Nigerians to disregard stories of his planned impeachment, even as he described it as an illusion.
Naijablitznews.com recalled that an online publication, (Name withheld on Wednesday, published a story titled “DSS Takes Over National Assembly Amid Impeachment Speculations Against Senate President Akpabio”, which has since been republished by other media outlets.
The Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to the President of Senate, Hon. Eseme Eyiboh in a statement on Wednesday said the report was a figment of the reporters imagination.
He said: “Distinguished Senator Godswill Akpabio, President of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, wishes to state without equivocation that the speculation and misinformation circulating about an alleged impeachment plot against him is the handiwork of fifth columnists who are perpetual merchants of misinformation and purveyors of mischief.
“As a Head of one of the Arms of government, the President of the Senate categorically denies these baseless claims and reaffirms his commitment to transformational leadership of the Senate particularly and effectively collaborates with the other arms of government. There is no crack in the Upper Chamber and no Senator or Caucus is plotting any impeachment against the President of the Senate. Every Senator is focused on raising the bar of Legislative Agenda and Nation building.
“The allegations are nothing but a desperate attempt to create division and discord among the esteemed senators. It’s unfortunate that some individuals would resort to spreading falsehoods to promote the invidious reins of their blackmail enterprise.
“Senator Godswill Akpabio remains focused on the implementation of the 10th Senate’s Legislative Agenda and working tirelessly to address the pressing National issues of growth and prosperity.
“The Senate President will not be distracted by these unfounded rumours and wants to assure the public that his commitment to Nigeria’s progress remains unwavering.
“We therefore urge the public to disregard these baseless claims and instead focus on the meaningful work being done by the Senate to improve the lives of all Nigerians”.
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