Photo caption : Chizorom Harrison Ofoegbu
The Founder of Zion Prayer Movement Outreach, Evangelist Ebuka Obi has denied claims in some social media platforms that he was instrumental to the continued detention of a controversial blogger Chizorom Harrison Ofoegbu popularly called “Ijele Speaks”.
Ofogbu is currently facing trial before Justice Akintayo Aluko of the Federal High Court Lagos over allegation of threat to life reported to the police by the founder of Zion Prayer Movement Outreach, Evangelist Ebuka Obi.
Speaking on behalf of Evangelist Ebuka Obi on news making the round in the social media linking Ofoegbu’s continued detention to the clergy, the Media and Public Relations Consultant to the church Mr. Dan Aibangbe alongside the church legal team at a press conference in Lagos on Saturday, described as “baseless, malicious, and a deliberate attempt to mislead the public and aimed at giving the church and it’s spiritual leader a bad name’
The church legal team who provided certified true copies of court proceedings to back up thier assertions on the matter, said the defendant was initially granted bail on the 14th of June 2024 and when he could not meet the bail conditions, he applied through his counsel for the variation of the conditions of the bail which the prosecution did not object to.
Consequently the court grated his request by varying the conditions of bail as requested and trial was adjourned till October 21 and 22, 2024.
” As far as we know he has perfected the bail conditions thereafter and ought to have been released”
Shedding more light on what actually happened later, the church legal team, however, said that at the resumption of trial on the 21st of October, 2024 Ofoegbu’s counsel informed the court that his client is still in custody and that he was not brought to court by men of the Nigerian Correctional Services.
The trial judge, Justice Akintoye Aluko then sought clarifications from the prosecutor as to the reason why Ofoegbu was still in the custody haven been granted bail and same perfected.
The church legal team said the prosecutor in his reply told Justice Aluko that Ofoegbu is currently in prison custody over a separate legal matter involving allegations of defamation and cybercrime committed against one Daddy Hezekiah, founder of Living Christ Mission.
“Ijele Speaks’ current incarceration arose from a separate matter involving alleged defamation and cyber stalking against one Daddy Hezekiah, the founder of Living Christ Mission. The matter is currently before the Awka High Court in Anambra State.” Said the prosecutor
The legal team added that as a law abiding citizen, Evangelist Ebuka Obi owes it a duty to report any wrong doing done to him to the police for necessary action and that this is what he has done in this case.
” As far as we are concerned and know Ofoegbu was granted bail by the court in July 2024 in a case involving allegations of threats to life reported by Evangelist Obi and we did not oppose his bail”
They further clarified that Ofoegbu bail was perfected with documentary proof to support the claim.
According to the team, “
“The ongoing detention of Ofoegbu popularly called “Ijele Speaks” has no connection whatsoever with Evangelist Ebuka Obi.
They added that the report being spread by Sahara Reporters, a platform owned by Omoyele Sowore is a calculated attempt to smear the reputation of the clergy who has dedicated his life to God and humanity ,adding that Zion Prayer Movement Outreach, led by Evangelist Obi is committed to transparency and integrity.
” The spiritual leader remains focused on his mission of preaching the gospel, promoting peace, and healing broken homes.”
“We called on the public and media outlets to disregard the fabricated report by Sahara Reporters and warned that legal steps may be taken against those spreading false information.”
“We urged Nigerians to seek verified information and reject sensationalist narratives aimed at damaging reputations.End
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