The Nigerian Human Rights Community (NIHRCO) has called upon President Bola Tinubu to address the alarming death threats directed at Folakemi, the daughter of renowned human rights lawyer Femi Falana. The group emphasized that any attack against Falana is simultaneously an assault on Nigeria’s civil rights movement, underscoring Falana’s stature as a pivotal figure in the country’s human rights advocacy. In a statement released by NIHRCO’s Taiwo Adeleye, the organization described the death threats as a “historical challenge” for Nigeria, urging the president to take decisive action and provide leadership in identifying those responsible for threatening Falana’s family. This situation has emerged amidst ongoing legal disputes and accusations surrounding Falana and his son, the artist Falz, involving the popular figure Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky.
The controversy escalated following a call recording released by Martins Otse, referred to as VeryDarkMan, which contained allegations against Falana. Otse purportedly accused Falana of soliciting 10 million naira for assistance with a presidential pardon for Bobrisky. Following public backlash and condemnation, Otse subsequently issued an apology, stating that he did not believe Falana was involved in the alleged bribery claims aimed at Bobrisky or linked to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Nigeria Correctional Service. Nevertheless, these allegations have further complicated the already tense situation surrounding Falana’s legal battles and personal safety.
The NIHRCO reiterated the urgency of addressing the threats against Falana’s daughter, affirming their solidarity with the lawyer during this distressing time. They highlighted that anonymous threats to Falana’s family followed his decision to pursue litigation against Otse for the incendiary claims made in the audio recording. The threats specifically warned that harm would come to Folakemi should Falana proceed with legal action, intensifying concerns over the safety and well-being of the Falana family.
Furthermore, the organization highlighted the potential for tracing the individuals behind these threats, noting that the sender used a cell phone and that, due to the mandatory registration of phone numbers with the National Identification Number (NIN), identifying the culprits should be feasible. NIHRCO expressed frustration at the prevalence of individuals posing as protectors of public interest while actually functioning as “professional blackmailers” and agents of destabilization against genuine advocates for change and justice in Nigeria. This commentary aims to raise public awareness of such deceitful practices that can undermine the civil rights movement.
In a bold statement, the group warned that the responsibility for any harm that may befall Femi Falana or his family lies with known individuals they hold accountable for these threats. They emphasized that attacks against Falana are direct assaults on the broader movement advocating for civil rights in Nigeria. As they pressed upon the president, NIHRCO declared that this situation presents a significant test for Tinubu’s leadership and commitment to upholding the law and order necessary for protecting civil agents and their families.
The call for action culminates in NIHRCO’s insistence that Nigerians demand clarity and accountability concerning the people behind the threatening messages. They urged President Tinubu to prioritize finding and punishing those responsible, reinforcing that the situation is not merely a personal conflict but an essential matter affecting the integrity and survival of civil rights in Nigeria. The group asserts that now is the critical moment for leadership to emerge and to act decisively, as the events unfolding represent a significant moment in Nigeria’s ongoing struggle for democracy and justice.
