The Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, has postponed the cyberstalking case involving social media influencer Chizorom Harrison Ofoegbu, popularly known as Ijele Speaks II, until May 23, 2025.
Despite Ofoegbu’s appearance in court on Thursday alongside his legal counsel, Yakubu Galadima, the hearing did not proceed. Galadima confirmed the adjournment, stating, “The matter will be coming up on 23rd May.”
Following the session, Ofoegbu was returned to the Ikoyi Custodial Centre. Notably, the production warrant used to facilitate his transfer to Lagos from the Federal High Court in Awka expired the same day.
Earlier in the week, SaharaReporters had reported that Ofoegbu was due to appear in the Lagos court after enduring over a year in detention. His case, previously handled in Anambra State, was recently transferred to Lagos following legal developments.
In a separate case, Ofoegbu is also scheduled to appear before Justice Akintayo Aluko at the Federal High Court in Lagos on June 16, 2025.
The relocation of his case to Lagos came after a court nullified the production warrant that would have transferred him back to Anambra — a move activists warned could expose him to danger. Human rights advocate Omoyele Sowore credited sustained public pressure for the Ministry of Justice and the Office of the Chief Judge of Nigeria’s decision to consolidate Ofoegbu’s legal matters in Lagos.
“This decision helps to prevent what could have amounted to extraordinary rendition,” Sowore said, referencing claims that Ofoegbu could have been at risk if returned to Anambra State.
Ofoegbu was arrested in March 2024 following his public allegations against Evangelist Ebuka Obi, the founder of Zion Prayer Movement Outreach. In a widely circulated post, the influencer accused Obi of staging miracles and exploiting his platform for personal gain. Ofoegbu’s statements led to police summons over alleged criminal intimidation, threat to life, cyberbullying, and cyberstalking.
After honoring the police invitation, he was detained and later transferred to the Keffi Correctional Centre in Nasarawa State.
His continued detention has drawn widespread condemnation from civil rights groups and activists, who argue that the charges represent an assault on freedom of expression and have continued to campaign for his release.
Saharareporters
