An Ebonyi State Magistrates’ Court sitting in Abakaliki has remanded a 24-year-old man, popularly known as Prophet Ubadinma, in a correctional facility over multiple allegations, including attempted murder, defamation of character, arson, malicious damage and stealing.
Naijaonpoint reports that the suspect was arraigned by the Ebonyi State Police Command on Monday, September 1, 2025, in connection with offences allegedly committed in villages across Izzi and Ikwo LGAs between 2020 and 2025.
According to court filings, Prophet Ubadinma allegedly made false prophecies branding an Ogun State-based businessman, Emeka Mgbore (a.k.a. EmmyBest), as a ritualist. A video of the prophecy was circulated on social media, sparking mob attacks in Ogun State, which led to the looting of Mgbore’s shops.
The suspect was also accused of making defamatory claims against Linus Uguru, Njoku Iziogo, and others in Izzi LGA, thereby exposing them to ridicule.
His lead counsel, Barr. Emeka Anosike urged the court to grant bail, arguing that the charges were bailable.
However, the police prosecutor, ASP Lilian Aliede, opposed the application, insisting the allegations were serious and damaging to the complainants.
She cited the Criminal Code, Cap. 33 Laws of Ebonyi State, stressing that defamation and related charges carry punishments under Sections 517 and 373(a).
Presiding Magistrate Mrs. Sandra Ifeanyi-Oyibe granted bail on the two defamation cases in the sum of ₦2 million with two sureties who must reside within the court’s jurisdiction and provide three years’ tax clearance.
She, however, ruled that her court lacked jurisdiction to handle the weightier charges of attempted murder, arson, stealing, and malicious damage, ordering that the case files be transferred to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP).
Naijaonpoint reports that the matters were adjourned to September 15 and 16, 2025, for hearing.
Charges Read in Court
One of the charges read: “That you, Ubadinma Nwebonyi ‘M’ and others now at large on the 28th day of July, 2025 at Offiauku village did defame the character of one Emeka Mgbore ‘M’ by verbally saying that he is a ritualist which you know to be false and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 373(a) of the Criminal Code, Cap. 33.”
Another stated: “That you, Ubadinma Nwebonyi ‘M’ and others now at large sometime in 2020 at Ochiohu Inyegu, did conspire to commit felony to wit: Attempted Murder/Malicious Damage/Stealing, contrary to Section 516A(a) of the Criminal Code, Cap. 33.”
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