The founder of Zion Prayer Movement Outreach, Evangelist Ebuka Obi, has refuted allegations circulating on social media that he is responsible for the continued detention of controversial blogger Chizorom Harrison Ofoegbu, popularly known as Ijele Speaks.
Addressing journalists in Lagos, the church’s Media and Public Relations Consultant, along with the legal team, dismissed the claim as “baseless, malicious, and a deliberate attempt to mislead the public and tarnish the image of Evangelist Obi and the church.”
The church’s legal team presented certified true copies of court proceedings to support their position. They explained that Ofoegbu was granted bail on June 14, 2024, in a case of threat to life reported by Evangelist Obi to the police.
However, when Ofoegbu was unable to meet the initial bail conditions, his legal team applied for a variation. The prosecution did not oppose this request, and the court adjusted the bail conditions. Following this, his bail was perfected, and he was expected to be released.
At the resumption of his trial on October 21, 2024, Ofoegbu’s lawyer informed the court that his client was still in custody because he had not been brought to court by the Nigerian Correctional Service. In response, Justice Akintayo Aluko questioned the prosecutor about why Ofoegbu remained in detention despite securing bail.
The prosecutor clarified that Ofoegbu’s continued detention was not related to the case involving Evangelist Obi but was due to a separate legal matter involving allegations of defamation and cybercrime against Pastor Hezekiah, founder of Living Christ Mission.
“Ofoegbu’s current incarceration is linked to a separate case involving alleged defamation and cyberstalking against Pastor Hezekiah. The matter is currently before the Awka High Court in Anambra State,” the prosecutor stated.
The church’s legal team emphasized that Evangelist Obi, like any law-abiding citizen, has the right to report threats to his life. They reiterated that he did not oppose Ofoegbu’s bail and that the church had proof that it was granted and perfected.
“The ongoing detention of Ofoegbu, popularly known as ‘Ijele Speaks,’ has no connection whatsoever with Evangelist Ebuka Obi,” the legal team affirmed.
The Zion Prayer Movement Outreach also condemned
the story going round the media, accusing it of orchestrating a smear campaign against Evangelist Obi.
“This false report is a deliberate attempt to damage the reputation of a man of God who has dedicated his life to serving humanity. Zion Prayer Movement Outreach remains committed to transparency and integrity,”the church’s representatives stated.
They reaffirmed that Evangelist Obi’s focus remains on his mission of preaching the gospel, promoting peace, and healing broken homes.
The church further urged the public on the need to verify information before dissemination so as to avoid spreading falsehoods.
“We call on Nigerians to seek verified facts and reject sensationalist narratives aimed at tarnishing reputations.”
