Evangelist Helen Ukpabio, well-known for her anti-witchcraft campaigns, along with her daughter, Imaobong Elijah, has filed a N200 billion lawsuit against singer Bloody Civilian, demanding a public apology over alleged defamation. The suit follows Bloody Civilian’s recent social media posts, which revisited long-standing allegations against Ukpabio regarding harmful practices toward children accused of witchcraft from the 1990s onward.
The controversy erupted on November 22, 2024, when Bloody Civilian responded to a birthday post celebrating Ukpabio’s 60th birthday on X (formerly Twitter). The singer, replying to @onejoblessboy’s post, criticized Ukpabio, claiming the evangelist had endorsed practices that harmed children and cited an alleged UK travel ban.
In response, Ukpabio and her daughter filed a lawsuit for defamation, claiming Bloody Civilian’s comments damaged their reputation. They are seeking N200 billion in damages and a formal apology. The lawsuit alleges that the singer’s remarks unjustly linked Ukpabio to abuse, stirring backlash online.
While some social media users have suggested that Bloody Civilian counter with a class-action suit on behalf of alleged victims, the singer has taken the situation with humor. Reacting to the news, she jokingly tweeted about taking on side gigs to cover any potential fines. “Guys, they just sued me for 200 billion naira. This December, I’ll be adding weddings, naming ceremonies, stand-up comedy, and more to my services,” she wrote, adding playful restrictions on certain events.
The legal dispute has reignited discussion on Ukpabio’s controversial legacy, with many calling for further investigation into past allegations against her.