The High Court of Cross River State sitting in Calabar on Wednesday heard extensive testimony on alleged witchcraft-related abuses in the N200 billion libel suit filed by Helen Ukpabio and her daughter against Nigerian singer, Bloody Civilian.

The matter, presided over by Justice Ukpai Ibitham, was adjourned to July 6 and 7 for continuation of hearing after arguments by counsel to both parties.

A human rights advocate and religious studies scholar, Dr. Leo Igwe, testified for the defence, alleging that Ukpabio’s teachings, films, and ministry activities contributed to witchcraft accusations and abuses against vulnerable persons, especially children.

Igwe told the court that he had spent nearly three decades researching and campaigning against witchcraft accusations across Africa, adding that some evangelical teachings fuel fear, suspicion, and violence against persons accused of witchcraft.

He referenced Ukpabio’s film End of the Wicked and several church programmes centred on deliverance from witchcraft, arguing that such messages reinforced harmful stereotypes associated with Cross River and Akwa Ibom states.

The witness also recalled an incident in 2009 when he organised a public enlightenment programme in Calabar against witchcraft accusations, alleging that members of Liberty Gospel Church disrupted the event and assaulted him.

According to him, public criticism of religious teachings linked to alleged witch-hunting practices should not be interpreted as defamation but as social advocacy against harmful beliefs and abuses.

At the close of the testimony, counsel to the defendant, James Ibor, urged the court to dismiss the suit.

However, counsel to the claimants, Victor Ukutt, opposed the application, arguing that there was no plea before the court challenging the witness’s evidence.

Ukpabio and her daughter instituted the suit against Bloody Civilian, whose real name is Emoseh Khamofu, over comments posted on X, formerly Twitter, in November 2024.

The claimants alleged that the singer falsely accused Ukpabio of promoting violence against children labelled as witches, claims they described as malicious and defamatory.

Among the reliefs sought are public retractions and apologies in national newspapers, deletion of the posts from social media platforms, and N200 billion in damages for alleged injury to their reputation and public image.

Justice Ibitham subsequently adjourned the matter to July 6 and 7 for continuation of hearing. (The Guardian)

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