Social media influencer and activist, Chizorom Harrison Ofoegbu, popularly known as ‘Ijele Speaks’, has been released from Ikoyi Correctional Centre after spending over a year in detention. His release comes following a prolonged legal battle stemming from defamation charges filed by Evangelist Ebuka Obi, spiritual leader of Zion Prayer Movement Outreach.
The Federal High Court in Lagos, presided over by Justice Daniel Osiagor, ordered Ofoegbu’s release after expressing concern over the prosecution’s repeated failure to appear in court. Despite having met his bail conditions months earlier, Ofoegbu remained in custody until today’s court directive prompted his legal team to secure his freedom.
The case, which has drawn widespread attention and sparked the viral #FreeIjeleSpeaks campaign, involved allegations of criminal defamation under Nigeria’s Cybercrime Act. However, the court recently ruled that it lacked jurisdiction over such charges, dismissing two out of three counts against him.
Human rights advocates and civil society groups have hailed the release as a victory for free speech and due process. In a statement shared on social media, activist Omoyele Sowore confirmed the release and highlighted the toll the incarceration had taken on Ofoegbu’s health, including reported kidney complications.