An Ebonyi State Magistrates’ Court in Abakaliki has remanded 24-year-old Prophet Ubadinma in a correctional facility. He faces multiple allegations, including attempted murder, defamation, arson, malicious damage, and theft.
Naija News reports that the Ebonyi State Police Command arraigned the suspect on Monday, September 1, 2025. The suspect allegedly committed the offences across villages in Izzi and Ikwo Local Government Areas between 2020 and 2025.
Allegations Against Prophet Ubadinma
Court documents state that the accused allegedly made false prophecies about Emeka Mgbore, an Ogun State businessman also known as EmmyBest. The prophecies claimed he was involved in ritual activities. A video of the prophecy circulated on social media. It reportedly sparked mob attacks in Ogun State, leading to looting of Mgbore’s shops.
The suspect also allegedly defamed Linus Uguru, Njoku Iziogo, and other residents of Izzi LGA. These actions reportedly exposed them to public ridicule.
Legal Proceedings and Bail
Prophet Ubadinma’s lead counsel, Barr. Emeka Anosike, requested bail. He argued that the charges were bailable. Conversely, police prosecutor ASP Lilian Aliede opposed the application. She emphasized the severity and harmful nature of the allegations.
Aliede cited Sections 517 and 373(a) of the Criminal Code, Cap. 33, Laws of Ebonyi State. These sections outline penalties for defamation and related offences.
Presiding Magistrate Mrs. Sandra Ifeanyi-Oyibe granted bail for the two defamation charges. The bail amount was set at ₦2 million with two sureties. The sureties must reside within the court’s jurisdiction and provide three years’ tax clearance.
However, the court ruled it lacked jurisdiction over the more serious charges. These included attempted murder, arson, theft, and malicious damage. The case files were ordered to be sent to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP).
Next Hearing Dates
The court adjourned the matters to September 15 and 16, 2025, for further hearing, according to Naija News.
Charges Read in Court
One charge stated: “That you, Ubadinma Nwebonyi ‘M’ and others at large, on July 28, 2025, at Offiauku village, defamed Emeka Mgbore ‘M’ by claiming he is a ritualist, knowing the statement to be false, contrary to Section 373(a) of the Criminal Code, Cap. 33.”
Another charge read: “That you, Ubadinma Nwebonyi ‘M’ and others at large, in 2020 at Ochiohu Inyegu, conspired to commit felony, including attempted murder, malicious damage, and stealing, contrary to Section 516A(a) of the Criminal Code, Cap. 33.”
