The founder of Zion Prayer Movement Outreach, Evangelist Ebuka Obi, has publicly refuted allegations linking him to the prolonged detention of Chizorom Ofoegbu, a controversial Nigerian blogger widely recognized as “Ijele Speaks.”

This unfolding saga, which has sparked debates about freedom of expression in Nigeria, began when Ofoegbu accused Obi of orchestrating fake miracles, leading to a legal confrontation that has kept the blogger behind bars for over a year.

The conflict traces back to March 2024, when Ofoegbu, a social media influencer known for his outspoken critiques, was arrested by the Nigeria Police Force.

His accusations against Obi, a prominent religious leader, centered on claims that the miracles performed at Zion Prayer Movement Outreach were staged for publicity.

In response, Obi filed a lawsuit against Ofoegbu at the Federal High Court in Lagos, citing threats to his life.

This legal action set off a chain of events that has since drawn significant attention, with activists now rallying for Ofoegbu’s release, arguing that his detention raises serious concerns about free speech in the country.

According to court proceedings, Ofoegbu was initially granted bail on June 14, 2024.

However, he was unable to meet the bail conditions at the time. His legal team later applied for a variation of those terms, a request that the prosecution, including Obi’s representatives, did not oppose.

By July 2024, Ofoegbu had reportedly fulfilled the revised bail conditions, which should have secured his release.

Yet, when the trial resumed on October 21, 2024, Ofoegbu’s lawyer revealed that his client remained in custody, as the Nigerian Correctional Services failed to bring him to court.

During a press conference in Lagos, Mr. Dan Aibangbe, the Media and Public Relations Consultant for Zion Prayer Movement Outreach, alongside the church’s legal team, clarified Obi’s stance.

They emphasized that Ofoegbu’s continued detention is unrelated to the case involving Obi.

Instead, the blogger is being held due to a separate legal matter involving allegations of defamation and cyberstalking, filed by another religious figure, Victor Onukaogu, also known as Daddy Hezekiah.

This second case is currently being heard at the High Court in Awka, Anambra State.

The prosecutor confirmed this, stating that Ofoegbu’s current incarceration stems from this distinct issue, not the dispute with Obi.

Obi’s legal team stressed that the evangelist had merely acted as a responsible citizen by reporting what he perceived as a credible threat to his life.

They also noted that Obi did not oppose Ofoegbu’s bail and has no influence over his ongoing detention.

To support their claims, the team presented certified court documents, asserting that the narrative tying Obi to Ofoegbu’s imprisonment is a deliberate attempt to tarnish the reputation of both the evangelist and his ministry.

They urged the public to dismiss these “baseless” allegations and warned of potential legal action against those spreading misinformation.

Meanwhile, Ofoegbu’s detention, which has now lasted over a year, has ignited broader concerns about freedom of speech in Nigeria.

Activists, including former pastor Abraham Daniel, are organizing a peaceful protest at the Federal Ministry of Justice in Abuja to demand Ofoegbu’s release.

They argue that his prolonged incarceration is a direct attack on democratic values and the right to free expression.

As this case continues to unfold, it remains a focal point for discussions on the balance between legal accountability and the protection of fundamental rights in Nigeria.