Concerned Nigerians under the banner of the Online Community of Irreligious People of Nigeria, in collaboration with the Take It Back Movement (Abuja Chapter), INAHURAT citizens, human rights activists, and members of the media, have come together today to raise national and international alarm over the unlawful detention and deteriorating health condition of Nigerian blogger and digital activist, Mr. Chizorom Harrison Ofoegbu, popularly known as Ijele Speaks.
In a press statement issued and signed on 10th April 2025 by Gerald Katchy for Initiative Against Human Right Abuse and Torture and Agenda Robert Anderson and Rex Elanu for Take it Back Movement stated that Mr. Ofoegbu, a vocal social commentator and content creator, has been held at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre in Lagos for over one year, facing charges related to defamation, cybercrime, and alleged threats to life.
According to them, these charges were brought against him by two high-profile religious leaders: Evangelist Ebuka Obi, spiritual director of Zion Prayer Movement Outreach, and Reverend Professor Victor Onukaogu (Daddy Hezekiah), founder of Living Christ Mission.
They further noted that while every citizen has the legal right to seek redress, they are deeply concerned about the apparent misuse of Nigeria’s legal system to suppress critical voices and punish dissent—especially when such voices challenge influential religious or political establishments.
Even more distressing is the fact that Mr. Ofoegbu is now battling kidney failure. Despite the urgency of his condition, he remains in detention without access to the critical medical care he urgently needs, placing his life at grave risk.
This is no longer just a legal issue—it is a matter of life and death, human rights, and freedom of expression. Furthermore, Mr. Ofoegbu’s situation is symbolic of a growing trend where young Nigerians who engage in digital activism are targeted, silenced, and criminalized for expressing opinions protected under the Constitution.
Therefore, we make the following urgent demands:
- Immediate medical intervention to save the life of Mr. Ofoegbu;
- A thorough and transparent review of the legal processes surrounding his continued detention;
- Stronger protections for Nigerian digital creators and youth who contribute to national discourse without resorting to violence or hate.
We also call on the Attorney General of the Federation, the Federal Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, and all relevant human rights institutions to act swiftly.
To media houses, civil society organizations, and the general public: do not let this case go unheard.
Freedom of expression is not a crime. Illness should not be a death sentence behind bars. Justice delayed is justice denied.
