Coalition Of Nigerian Activists Demand Release Of Social Critic "Ijele Speaks" After One-Year Detention As Health Deteriorates

The groups in media briefing in Abuja on Thursday, alleged that Ofoegbu's detention is an abuse of legal process, aimed at silencing dissenting voices.



A coalition of activists, human rights groups, and concerned citizens has called for the immediate release of Mr. Chizorom Harrison Ofoegbu, a digital content creator and social critic, who has been detained for over a year.

Ofoegbu, more commonly known as "Ijele Speaks" is being held at Ikoyi Correctional Centre in Lagos on allegations of threat to life, defamation, and cybercrime.

The groups in media briefing in Abuja on Thursday, alleged that Ofoegbu's detention is an abuse of legal process, aimed at silencing dissenting voices.

They claimed that the allegations against him are linked to his criticism of two influential religious figures, Evangelist Ebuka Obi and Rev. Prof. Victor Onukaogu.

"While we believe in the right of any citizen to seek redress through legal means, we are alarmed by the apparent abuse of legal processes to silence dissenting voices, particularly when such voices challenge the status quo or religious institutions," the coalition emphasised.

Pointing out to the dire medical condition of Ofoegbu, they declared that his health has deteriorated significantly, with him suffering from kidney failure and requiring specialised medical care.

"Despite his dire condition, he remains in detention without access to appropriate treatment, a situation that threatens not only his right to fair trial, but his very right to life," the groups pointed out.

In a various letters to the authorities including the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, the National Human Rights Commission, and the National Headquarters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) the coalition appealed for immediate medical intervention to save his life.

They specifically called on the Attorney General of the Federation, the Minister of Justice, to: "ensure immediate medical intervention for Ofoegbu, review the legal proceedings surrounding his detention, and protect the rights of Nigerian youth and digital creators who speak truth to power."

"Freedom of expression is not a crime," the coalition emphasised. "Illness should not be a death sentence in prison. And justice delayed is justice denied."

They maintained, "this case is not just about one individual; it's about every young Nigerian who dares to speak freely and faces the risk of imprisonment or death for exercising a constitutionally protected right."

The coalition, however, urged media houses, human rights organisations, and civil society groups to amplify their call and ensure that Ofoegbu's case is not ignored.

The text of the media briefing was jointly signed by Mr. Abraham Daniel and Mr. Genesis Eririoma Hean for: Online Community of Irreligious People of Nigeria; Agena Robert Ande and Rex Elanu for Take It Back movement (TIB) and Gerald Katchy for INAHURAT.

"The Online Community of Irreligious People of Nigeria has gathered today, alongside, Take It Back Movement Abuja Chapter, Abuja based Activists, INAHURAT, Concerned citizens and members of the media, to draw national and international attention to the prolonged detention and life-threatening medical condition of Mr. Chizorom Harrison Ofoegbu, popularly known as Ijele Speaks."
https://saharareporters.com/2025/04/10/coalition-nigerian-activists-demand-release-social-critic-ijele-speaks-after-one-year#google_vignette
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