Popular Nigerian rapper and actor, Folarin Falana, better known as Falz, has denied having any form of relationship with controversial crossdresser, Bobrisky. The rapper made this known during an interview on Arise TV, where he clarified the nature of their recent interaction.
According to Falz, the only contact he ever had with Bobrisky was when Bobrisky reached out to him on Instagram asking for help with a legal issue. The entertainer said he responded to the message out of compassion, just as he often does with others who reach out seeking support.
“I never had any relationship with Bobrisky prior to that phone call,” Falz said. “He messaged me on Instagram and said, ‘I’m in this case and I want to speak to you about how you can help.’ Thousands of people message me like that, and this wasn’t a special or exceptional case.”
The clarification comes amid Falz’s ongoing defamation suit against popular social media commentator, VeryDarkMan (VDM), who had leaked an alleged phone conversation between Falz and Bobrisky while Bobrisky was in prison. The leaked call sparked rumours about the nature of their relationship.
Falz also gave an update on his legal battle with VeryDarkMan, who he accused of defamation. The case, which was filed by Falz and his father, renowned human rights lawyer Femi Falana (SAN), is currently in court.
“Update on the court case, very much still in court. There’s a substantive suit which myself and my dad are alleging defamation,” Falz explained.
He stated that since the case was filed, the defendant has yet to enter a defence. Instead, VDM had filed a preliminary objection, claiming the court lacked jurisdiction. However, the court has since dismissed that objection.
“As at the last date, I was in court. The court has thrown out that preliminary objection. Now they have to enter a defence or the court will just go on to rule on the case,” he added.
Due to the ongoing legal proceedings, Falz declined to speak further on the details of the case.
Falz expressed regret over responding to Bobrisky’s message, stating that the entire episode has made him more cautious about helping others. He said he usually tries to show compassion to people who reach out to him, but the experience has made him rethink that approach.
“In a lot of those cases, I give them an audience. Like, what is the problem, how can I help? But little did I know. As they say, once bitten, twice shy,” he said.
“Maybe I won’t stop helping people completely, but I will definitely be more conscious,” he added.
Bobrisky, whose real name is Idris Okuneye, is a well-known internet personality in Nigeria, often making headlines for his crossdressing lifestyle and outspoken behaviour. Earlier this year, he was sentenced to six months in prison without the option of a fine for violating the naira abuse law, after spraying cash at a public event.
His imprisonment led to public reactions, with some expressing support and others criticising him. It was during this period that he reportedly contacted Falz, hoping for help in handling his legal issues.
Falz’s response, which was initially private, later became public following the leaked phone conversation by VeryDarkMan.
Now, with legal proceedings ongoing and public speculation surrounding the matter, Falz is making it clear: his involvement was purely out of compassion — not a personal relationship.