Nigerian singer and activist, Bloody Civilian, has found herself at the center of a legal storm after being hit with a N200 billion lawsuit filed by controversial preacher Lady Apostle Helen Ukpabio and her daughter, Imaobong Elijah Ukpabio. The legal action is a response to Bloody Civilian’s alleged defamatory remarks on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter).
The lawsuit, which has generated widespread attention, demands not only a public apology but also financial compensation for the alleged defamation that the Ukpabios claim has caused significant harm to their reputations.
The issue began on November 22, 2024, when Bloody Civilian reacted to a tweet celebrating Ukpabio’s 60th birthday. The tweet, posted by user @onejoblessboy, featured a photograph of Ukpabio with the caption: “Pastor Helen Ukpabio turns 60 today.” Bloody Civilian, known for her outspoken activism, took to the comments section to accuse Ukpabio of promoting harmful practices, referencing accusations from her past, including an alleged travel ban by the UK.
The Defamatory Statements
According to the lawsuit, Bloody Civilian made several damaging remarks on her Twitter account accusing Helen Ukpabio of being involved in actions that caused harm to children. Among the statements listed in the lawsuit are:
“She literally made people burn their children alive.”
“We were kids when this happened so that’s why no one remembers she did so much evil.”
These comments were reportedly made in response to a celebration of Ukpabio’s milestone birthday. Bloody Civilian also referred to a YouTube documentary and alleged that Ukpabio had been scrutinized internationally for her controversial activities. These statements were deemed by the Ukpabios to be reckless and libelous, further claiming that they tarnished their reputations and caused distress.
Legal Demands
In their legal filing, Ukpabio’s lawyers have described Bloody Civilian’s tweets as "reckless, satanic, and libelous." They have demanded a public apology from the singer, as well as a substantial financial compensation amounting to N200 billion for the reputational damages caused by the remarks.
In addition to the apology and compensation, the lawsuit underscores the emotional and social harm that the defamatory comments have caused to both Helen Ukpabio and her daughter, Imaobong Elijah Ukpabio, citing significant distress caused by the allegations.
Context and Controversy
Helen Ukpabio, the founder of Liberty Gospel Church, has long been a polarizing figure in Nigeria, known for her teachings on witchcraft and exorcism. Critics have accused her of promoting harmful practices and stoking fear, particularly among children. These critics argue that she has played a role in stigmatizing children, particularly those accused of witchcraft, and has contributed to harmful and dangerous beliefs. On the other hand, Ukpabio's supporters view her as a spiritual leader who is standing firm in defending Christian values and teachings, regardless of the controversies surrounding her practices.
Bloody Civilian Replies to the Lawsuit
In response to the N200 billion lawsuit, Bloody Civilian took to her Twitter account to express both shock and humor about the legal battle. True to her sarcastic and witty persona, she joked about her need to "double her hustle" to meet the compensation demand.
In one of her tweets, she humorously wrote, “Guys they just sued me for 200 billion naira. This December I will be adding the following to my services: Weddings (preferably Yoruba), Naming ceremony (no twins), Stand up comedy, Club hosting, Birthday party (no gen z), Settling of family dispute (no Benin people).” This tongue-in-cheek response has been widely shared on social media, further adding fuel to the ongoing public discourse surrounding the lawsuit.
