The Zion Prayer Movement Outreach has denied recent media reports linking its Spiritual Director, Evangelist Ebuka Obi, to the ongoing detention of social media influencer Chizorom Harrison Ofoegbu, popularly known as Ijele Speaks.
The clergy refuted the allegation over the weekend in Lagos through the church’s Media and Public Relations Consultant, Dan Aibangbe, and its legal team. They described the allegations as baseless, malicious, and deliberately attempting to mislead the public.
Ijele Speaks was arraigned before the Federal High Court in Lagos in March 2024 by the police on charges including threats to Evangelist Obi’s life, cyberstalking, and cyberbullying.
The court granted him bail but has not released him from the Ikoyi Correctional Centre, where he remains due to other ongoing criminal cases.
However, while absolving itself of the continued detention of Ijele Speaks, the church emphasised that the court granted Ijele Speaks bail in July 2024.
They clarified that the bail was successfully perfected and that Ijele Speaks was released then, supported by documented proof.
The team said, “Ijele Speaks’ current incarceration is linked to a separate legal case involving allegations of defamation and cybercrime against Daddy Hezekiah, the founder of Living Christ Mission. This matter is currently before the Awka High Court in Anambra State.
“The ongoing detention of Ijele Speaks is unrelated to Evangelist Ebuka Obi. The report being circulated by Sowore is a calculated attempt to tarnish the reputation of a man who has devoted his life to God and humanity.”
They reaffirmed the Zion Prayer Movement Outreach’s commitment to transparency and integrity, noting that their spiritual leader remains focused on preaching the gospel, promoting peace, and healing broken homes.
The church also urged the public and media outlets to disregard the “fabricated” reports and warned that legal action may be taken against those disseminating false information.
They urged Nigerians to seek verified information and resist sensational narratives that aim to damage reputations.
