The founder of Zion Prayer Movement Outreach, Evangelist Ebuka Obi, has refuted the allegation that he was responsible for the continued detention of social media commentator, Chizorom Harrison Ofoegbu, also known as Ijele Speaks.

Speaking with the newsmen in Lagos yesterday, the head of the church’s legal and media team, Mrs Ugonna Veronica Okpara and the Public Relations Consultant to the church, Mr Dan Aibangbe, described the allegation as “baseless, malicious, and a deliberate attempt to mislead the public.”

They clarified that neither the church nor the founder is prosecuting Ofoegbu. They noted that the social media commentator was being prosecuted by the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and that the court had admitted him to bail in July 2024 in a case involving allegations of threats to life complained by the Evangelist.

According to them, Ofoegbu was arraigned before Justice Akintayo Aluko of the Federal High Court, Lagos, in a suit marked FHC/L/321C/2024 on an allegation of threat to life, among other counts.

They clarified that when he could not perfect his bail conditions, he approached the court for variation, which was granted, and the judge signed the release warrant.

“The bail was perfected, and the defendant released at that time, with documented proof to support this claim,” they said.

According to the team, Ofoegbu’s current incarceration stems from a separate legal case involving alleged defamation and cybercrime against Daddy Hezekiah, the founder of Living Christ Mission. The matter is currently before the Awka High Court in Anambra State.

“The ongoing detention of the defendant has no connection whatsoever with Evangelist Ebuka Obi. The report being circulated is a calculated attempt to smear the reputation of a man who has dedicated his life to God and humanity,” the church added.

They emphasised Evangelist Obi’s commitment to transparency and integrity, stating that their spiritual leader remains focused on his mission of preaching the gospel, promoting peace, and healing broken homes.

They, however, called on the public and media outlets to disregard the “fabricated” report, warning that legal steps may be taken against those spreading false information against the church and its leader. The church also urged Nigerians to seek verified information and reject sensational stories aimed at damaging reputations.