A storm of controversy erupted online on Wednesday, June 19, after Prophet Abel Boma, the founder of ATB Foundation, publicly declared that God has asked Nigerians to stop judging Judy Austin, the second wife of Nollywood actor Yul Edochie. In a now-viral Instagram video, the Port Harcourt-based cleric claimed he received a divine message instructing critics to “let her be” and focus on fixing their own lives.
The prophet didn’t hold back, calling out what he described as widespread hypocrisy among Judy’s detractors. “Some of you sleeping with married men are worse than the woman you’re dragging,” he said, accusing many of publicly moralizing while privately wrecking homes. According to him, God told him directly: “I choose who to bless and forgive, not you.”
Judy Austin has remained a lightning rod for public outrage ever since her relationship with Yul Edochie became public in 2022—an affair that not only broke the internet but also deeply fractured the actor’s fanbase. Supporters of Yul’s first wife, May Edochie, have since formed a loyal online community known as “May Nation,” which continues to resist any form of public sympathy for Judy.
Prophet Boma’s remarks, intended to absolve Judy spiritually, backfired almost instantly. His Instagram comment section turned into a battlefield, as hundreds poured in to reject his claims and question the credibility of his divine message. Many users accused him of using God’s name to peddle personal opinion, with one comment reading, “This is not prophecy, it’s PR.”
Critics questioned the priorities of spiritual leaders in the country. “So, with all the poverty and killings going on, God chose to speak to you about Judy Austin’s marriage? Really?” one angry user wrote. Others warned against belittling the divine by inserting God’s name into pop culture drama.
Despite the backlash, a few voices stood by the prophet, praising him for his courage in defending Judy. Supporters argued that she had been unfairly vilified and deserved peace. However, those sentiments were quickly drowned out by a flood of angry reactions from May’s supporters, who believe the prophet’s message disrespects the pain of a woman betrayed.
With Yul Edochie yet to respond and Judy herself remaining silent on the video, Nigerians are left to debate whether this was a divine directive—or a well-timed publicity stunt. Either way, the saga continues to dominate online conversations, stirring emotions in a nation that never shies away from a social media war.
