King Limhi is the son of the very wicked King Noah. His people are in bondage, and he is convinced that this has been brought upon them through iniquity. In Mosiah 7, Limhi laments the wickedness of his people. He cites as an example of their wickedness the murder of a prophet:
26 And a prophet of the Lord have they slain; yea, a chosen man of God, who told them of their wickedness and abominations, and prophesied of many things which are to come, yea, even the coming of Christ.
This prophet of course is Abinadi, who has not yet been mentioned by name (and won't be until Mosiah 11:20).