Femi Falana, in an interview with Channels TV, denied any connection with Bobrisky. He also discussed his role in securing pardons for wrongly convicted individuals. Read More!
In an interview aired on Channels TV yesterday, prominent human rights lawyer Femi Falana firmly denied any connection with Bobrisky, the popular Nigerian internet personality, amidst recent rumors. Falana clearly stated, "I have not spoken to Bobrisky, neither have I met him before," dispelling speculations surrounding his alleged involvement in a presidential petition for Bobrisky.
Addressing the Falz Involvement Rumor
Falana further clarified another rumor involving his son, Folarin Falana, widely known as Falz. He further reaffirmed that Bobrisky contacted Falz to request assistance for a sum of ₦3 million part of the money needed to bribe the prison officials to be placed in the VIP section of the prison.
Resisting the Temptation to File Criminal Complaints
Falana, known for his unwavering defense of human rights, explained why he has not pursued criminal complaints against VeryDarkMan's defamatory statements about him. He cited his role in leading a team of African lawyers campaigning for decriminalization of freedom of expression across the continent:
"I have resisted the temptation to file criminal complaints because I am leading a team of lawyers in West Africa, campaigning for decriminalization of freedom of expression. The campaign is cordinated by Media Foundation for West Africa of which I am part of the board. We have succeeded in getting Liberia, Ghana and Seirra Lonne to decriminalize freedom of expression."
In his interview, Falana highlighted that many young individuals are often unaware of the laws surrounding defamation, attributing their actions to what he calls "infantile radicalism."
Falana’s Work in Securing Pardons for Convicts
The lawyer took the opportunity to elaborate on his contributions to securing pardons for wrongly convicted individuals. He proudly noted:
“I have assisted 280 convicted people, both at home and abroad, to get pardons. On one occasion, 200 Nigerians were convicted in Libya for drug-related offenses. Because the trials were conducted in Arabic, a language they did not understand, I petitioned the African Commission for Human and People's Rights.”
Falana also recounted how he helped a demoted General and 70 soldiers sentenced to death secure a presidential pardon. He emphasized that his legal firm has never charged or collected money for these pardon requests, standing firm on his principles of justice and fairness.
Exposing Corruption in Nigeria’s Prison System
Falana, a former inmate himself, shed light on the corruption plaguing Nigeria's prison system. He narrated the grim reality of how the system works for "big men and women" who are accommodated in VIP sections known as the "White House" in various correctional centers. He revealed:
“Everyone that has been to the prison knows that in every correctional center in Nigeria, there is a VIP section. It is called the White House. It is for people of means. If you are sent to prison, you are likely to be accommodated in the VIP section if you have the resources."
Falana expressed surprise that the House of Assembly recently set up a panel to investigate the state of the country’s correctional centers, implying that the practice of segregating wealthy inmates is no secret.
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