Popular social media celebrity, Bobrisky, has threatened to file a ₦1 billion lawsuit against activist Martins Otse, better known as VeryDarkMan, over alleged defamation.
Bobrisky, whose real name is Idris Okuneye, shared the details of the legal threat on his Instagram page on Sunday, revealing a copy of the letter addressed to the activist.
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Dated September 27, the letter accuses VeryDarkMan of using Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology to generate and share an audio recording aimed at tarnishing Bobrisky’s reputation.
The crossdresser’s legal team has given the activist a 24-hour deadline to retract the statements and issue a public apology, or face legal action.
The controversy began earlier in the week when VeryDarkMan shared an audio recording online, in which Bobrisky allegedly claimed to have bribed officials of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) with ₦15 million to drop charges against him.
The activist also shared footage in which Bobrisky reportedly claimed his “godfather” and Haliru Nababa, the Controller General of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), arranged for him to serve a six-month prison sentence in a private apartment rather than a correctional facility.
In response, Bobrisky described the recording as “fake” and denied any wrongdoing. He strongly refuted claims that he bribed EFCC officials, stating that the allegations were fabricated to damage his image. Bobrisky’s legal team maintains that the recording was doctored using AI technology.
The defamation allegations have prompted the EFCC to launch an official investigation, with its chairman, Ola Olukoyede, ordering a probe into the claims of bribery involving its officials. Meanwhile, the federal government has suspended two NCoS officials in connection with the bribery allegations surrounding Bobrisky’s imprisonment.
This legal battle follows a tumultuous period for the social media star, who was released from prison on August 5 after serving part of his six-month sentence, which began in April, for abusing the naira. Bobrisky previously revealed that the strain of the allegations has led her to contemplate suicide.
Bobrisky sues VeryDarkMan for N1 billion, claims he published an Al-generated voice recording ; Gives him 24hours to retract his comments or face legal consequences. pic.twitter.com/ifVSQEyzlg
— Instablog9ja (@instablog9ja) September 29, 2024