Prominent Akwa Ibom cleric and evangelist Helen Ukpabio, alongside her daughter Imaobong Elijah, has filed a ₦200 billion lawsuit against Nigerian singer Emoseh Khamofu, popularly known as Bloody Civilian, for what they described as “reckless, satanic, and libelous posts.”
The Allegations
Bloody Civilian accused Ukpabio of inciting violence against children, claiming that the preacher “literally made people burn their children alive.” These allegations were made in response to a post celebrating Pastor Ukpabio’s 60th birthday.
Reacting to the accusations, Imaobong Elijah, a journalist and Ukpabio’s daughter, publicly addressed the singer on X (formerly Twitter). She issued a five-hour ultimatum for Bloody Civilian to retract the post, stating that the constant allegations against her mother had caused her significant trauma growing up.
Legal Action
A letter from the legal firm Victor Ukut & Co., dated November 24, 2024, demands an immediate retraction of the alleged defamatory statements. It also requires Bloody Civilian to tender a public apology published in 10 Nigerian national newspapers as well as international media outlets, including CNN, Al Jazeera, and Fox News.
The lawsuit seeks ₦200 billion in damages for what the mother and daughter duo described as a deliberate attempt to tarnish Helen Ukpabio’s reputation.
Background on Helen Ukpabio
Helen Ukpabio is a well-known evangelist based in Akwa Ibom and the founder of the Liberty Gospel Church. Over the years, she has faced criticism for her controversial teachings, particularly those linking witchcraft to child behavior, which critics argue have incited harmful practices against children.
Public Reaction
The lawsuit has sparked a debate on social media, with some supporting the singer’s allegations against Ukpabio, while others criticize the singer for making unfounded accusations.
The case raises broader issues about defamation, freedom of speech, and the responsibility of public figures to verify claims before making accusations.
