Social media influencer, Mr. Chizorom Harrison Ofoegbu, popularly known as Ijele Speaks II, will be appearing in court on Thursday in Lagos State, as his trial commences after an unjust year-long detention.
SaharaReporters learnt that his appearance in court comes as his case has fully been transferred to Lagos State.
SaharaReporters had reported that the arrest warrant obtained to transfer Ijele Speaks II, to Anambra State was nullified by the court.
Human rights activist, Omoyele Sowore, had informed that after months of pressure, the Ministry of Justice and the Office of the Chief Judge of Nigeria agreed to consolidate Ofoegbu’s multiple charges for trial in Lagos.
The move effectively cancels a previous plan to transfer him to Awka, Anambra State, which activists called a scheme for "extraordinary rendition" that could result in potential harm.
“We are pleased to report that, following a year-long struggle to prevent the 'extra-ordinary rendition' of blogger Chizorom Ofoegbu @IjeleSpeaks2 to potential harm in Awka, Anambra state, the Ministry of Justice and office of the Chief Judge of Nigeria have agreed to consolidate his cases for trial in Lagos,” he had disclosed.
“As a result, the 'production warrant' obtained to transfer him to Awka for trial on cybercrime charges has been nullified,” he added.
This means that Ofoegbu, a critic of religious leaders and public officials, will now face arraignment in Lagos once a new judge is assigned to his case.
“Chizorom Ofoegbu @ijelespeaks will now be arraigned in Lagos once his case is assigned to a new judge,” the source had confirmed.
“Nevertheless, we continue to strongly condemn the actions of the Nigerian Police @PoliceNG and Prophet Ebuka Obi of Zion Ministry, who both colluded to violate Chizorom Ofoegbu's fundamental rights, resulting in an unjust year-long detention and permanent kidney damage,” he lamented.
“The Ministry of Justice must discontinue these frivolous charges against Chizorom Ofoegbu and other Nigerian citizens that have been targeted and violated through the application of the Cybercrime Act immediately.”
“Great thanks to our revolutionary colleagues for staying the course. #UntilWeWin #EgbetokunMustGo #RepealTheCyberCrimeAct #evolutionnow,” he added.
SaharaReporters had earlier reported how Ijele Speaks II spent one year in detention since he was arrested over his allegations against Evangelist Ebuka Obi.Nigerian fashion
Ofoegbu was arrested and detained by the Nigeria Police Force in March 2024 for accusing Ebuka Obi, founder of Zion Prayer Movement Outreach, of performing staged miracles.
In his viral post, Ijele called the pastor a liar and tagged all his miracles as deceits, urging the police to arrest him for turning his religious institution into a business enterprise.
Subsequently, the police in Abuja invited Ijele to their station for an alleged case of criminal intimidation, threat to life, cyberstalking, and cyberbullying against the pastor.
SaharaReporters reported that the police refused to release Ijele after he honoured their invitation and was subsequently taken to Keffi Correctional Centre in Nasarawa State, where he has been held to date.
Ofoegbu’s prolonged incarceration has sparked concerns over freedom of speech in the country, with activists calling for his release.
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