Liberty Gospel Church Founder and Nollywood filmmaker, Lady Apostle Helen Ukpabio has filed a N200 billion lawsuit against Nigerian singer, Emoseh Khamofu popularly known as “Bloody Civilian,” over a social media publication she describes as false, defamatory, and injurious to her reputation.
The lawsuit, brought before a Calabar High Court and presided over by Justice Ukpai Ibitham, also seeks a formal retraction, a public apology to be published in two national newspapers, and the deletion of the allegedly libelous content from all platforms.
In her testimony on Tuesday, Apostle Ukpabio told the court that a post made by the defendant on November 22, 2024, falsely accused her of inciting the burning of children through her teachings, and alleged she had been expelled from the United Kingdom for committing atrocities.
She firmly denied ever labelling any child a witch or encouraging violence, adding that no evidence has ever been presented linking her to such acts. She described the allegations as “malicious fabrications aimed at damaging her decades-long ministry and public image.”
Represented by her counsel, Barrister Victor Ukutt, Apostle Ukpabio said the publication has caused emotional distress to her family, especially her grandchildren, who are now mocked in school as descendants of a “child killer.” She also told the court that her daughter, Imaobong Elijah Ukpabio, had been subjected to bullying allegedly instigated by the defamatory post.
During cross-examination by the defendant’s lawyer, James Ibor, Apostle Ukpabio maintained that her widely known film End of the Wicked does not portray children as witches. She argued that misleading excerpts from the movie were taken out of context and maliciously edited to serve a defamatory narrative.
She further clarified that her films do not promote Liberty Gospel Church or her sermons, but are faith-based fictional works aimed at encouraging Christians and others facing spiritual battles.
The cleric also denied ever being “demonised” or having undergone any form of exorcism, dismissing the claim as another falsehood being peddled by the defence.
The case, listed as Suit No: HC/01/2025 – Helen Ukpabio, Imaobong Elijah Ukpabio v. Emoseh Khamofu (aka Bloody Civilian), was adjourned to October 27 and 28, 2025, for continuation of cross-examination.