Popular Nigerian Pastor failed N200 Billion defamatory lawsuit against Nigerian singer, Bloody Civilian.
Popular Nigerian Pastor failed N200 Billion defamatory lawsuit against Nigerian singer, Bloody Civilian.
The ₦200 billion defamation lawsuit filed by Pastor Helen Ukpabio against Nigerian singer Bloody Civilian (Emoseh Khamofu) escalated significantly with a key hearing at the Cross River State High Court in Calabar.
The legal battle started after Bloody Civilian reacted to a social media post celebrating Ukpabio’s 60th birthday. The singer alleged that the pastor “literally made people burn their children al!ve” and claimed she was banned from the UK.
Pastor Helen Ukpabio and her daughter, Imaobong Elijah, are demanding ₦200 billion in damages, public retractions, and apologies across national newspapers and social media platforms. They argue the claims are a “malicious fabrication” that has caused emotional distress and subjected their family to bullying.
When the case came before Justice Ukpai Ibitham. The court heard extensive testimonies regarding the alleged witchcraft-related abuses and doctrines.
The defense counsel, James Ibor, argued that public criticism of religious doctrines linked to alleged witch-hunting practices should be viewed as social advocacy against harmful beliefs rather than defamation, urging the court to dismiss the suit but the claimants’ counsel, Victor Ukutt, vehemently opposed the defense’s application to throw out the case.
After the last hearing in July, 7 2026, Bloody Civilian’s defense counsel, James Ibor, continues to argue for the total dismissal of the suit. The case remains in the trial phase as the High Court continues to review testimonies and legal applications from both sides. No final judgment or settlement has been reached.
NJ
