Zion Ministry Denies Responsibility for Blogger’s Continued Detention

Zion Ministry Denies Responsibility for Blogger’s Continued Detention

The Zion Prayer Movement Outreach has denied claims that its Spiritual Director, Evangelist Ebuka Obi, is responsible for the continued detention of blogger Harrison Ofoegbu, popularly known as Ijele Speaks.

Speaking at a press conference held in Lagos on Saturday, the ministry’s Media Adviser, Dan Aibangbe, alongside members of the legal team, described the report published by Sahara Reporters as false and misleading. The report alleged that Ofoegbu had been detained for over a year at the behest of Evangelist Obi.

According to Aibangbe, Ofoegbu was granted bail and his release order was duly signed by the court on August 15, 2024, after he fulfilled all bail conditions. However, he remains in custody due to other unrelated legal matters, including a case at the Federal High Court in Awka, Anambra State.

"The court released him, and his bail was perfected. The continued detention has nothing to do with Zion Ministry or Evangelist Ebuka Obi," Aibangbe said. He also accused Sahara Reporters of deliberately misinforming the public despite being aware of the facts.

Mrs. Ugonna Okpara, a member of Zion Ministry's legal team, presented court documents to journalists confirming Ofoegbu’s release order. She stated that even the blogger’s defense counsel informed the judge that their client is being held in connection with another case not related to the ministry.

Other legal representatives present at the briefing, including Kingsley Okigbo and Gerty Iloegbunam, urged journalists to independently verify the reasons for Ofoegbu’s continued detention with the appropriate authorities at the Correctional Center. They also cautioned the media to avoid spreading unverified and misleading information.

Watch the press briefing video here:
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