By Mercy Aniekan / May 29, 2026
Calabar, Cross River State —The High Court of Cross River State in Calabar has heard contentious and emotionally charged testimony in a ₦200 billion defamation suit filed by evangelist Helen Ukpabio and her daughter against Nigerian singer Bloody Civilian, over allegations linked to witchcraft accusations and alleged reputational damage.
The case has evolved into a broader public debate over religion, free expression, human rights advocacy, and the long-running controversy surrounding witchcraft-related abuses in parts of southern Nigeria.
HUMAN RIGHTS TESTIMONY TAKES CENTER STAGE
A prominent human rights advocate and religious studies scholar, Leo Igwe, testified for the defence, presenting what he described as decades of field research into witchcraft accusations across Africa.
Igwe told the court that certain religious teachings and evangelical practices have historically contributed to fear-based narratives that, in some communities, have resulted in the stigmatization and abuse of individuals accused of witchcraft—particularly children.
He referenced public religious materials and films attributed to the claimant, including End of the Wicked, arguing that such content has influenced harmful social perceptions in parts of Cross River and Akwa Ibom States.
ALLEGATIONS OF DISRUPTION AND INTIMIDATION
The witness also recounted a 2009 incident in Calabar, where he organised a public awareness campaign against witchcraft accusations.
According to Igwe, members allegedly linked to Liberty Gospel Church disrupted the event and physically assaulted him—an episode he presented as evidence of resistance to public criticism of witchcraft-related doctrines.
He maintained that criticism of religious beliefs linked to alleged abuses should be treated as civic advocacy rather than defamation.
DEFENCE AND CLAIMANT POSITIONS CLASH
At the end of the testimony, counsel to the defendant, James Ibor, urged the court to dismiss the suit, arguing that the defence had established sufficient grounds to challenge the claims.
However, counsel to the claimants, Victor Ukutt, opposed the application, insisting that procedural and evidential issues remained unresolved and that the defence had not adequately undermined the plaintiffs’ case.
Justice Ukpai Ibitham adjourned proceedings to July 6 and 7 for continuation of hearing.
BACKGROUND: THE ₦200 BILLION DEFAMATION CLAIM
The lawsuit was filed by Helen Ukpabio and her daughter against singer Bloody Civilian (Emoseh Khamofu), following social media posts made in November 2024 on X (formerly Twitter).
The claimants allege that the singer falsely accused Ukpabio of promoting violence against children labelled as witches—claims they describe as defamatory, malicious, and damaging to their reputation.
They are seeking:
- Public retractions across national newspapers
- Removal of the posts from social media platforms
- Formal apologies
- ₦200 billion in damages for alleged reputational harm
WIDER CONTEXT: FAITH, FREE SPEECH AND SOCIAL ACCOUNTABILITY
The case has drawn wider attention beyond the courtroom due to its intersection with sensitive national issues—religious authority, artistic expression, and long-standing debates over witchcraft accusations in parts of Nigeria.
Observers note that the trial could set a significant precedent for how Nigerian courts balance reputational protection with public interest commentary on religious and social practices.
As proceedings continue, the Calabar High Court case is increasingly shaping into more than a defamation dispute. It now sits at the crossroads of faith, human rights advocacy, and the limits of public criticism in the digital age.
The final outcome may carry implications far beyond the immediate parties involved.
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