A Magistrate’s Court in Ebonyi State has ordered the remand of a 24-year-old man known as Prophet Ubadinma at a correctional facility, following a slew of grave allegations, which include attempted murder, defamation, arson, malicious damage, and stealing.
According to reports, the Ebonyi State Police Command brought Prophet Ubadinma before the court on Monday, September 1, 2025, citing multiple offences said to have occurred in various communities across Izzi and Ikwo Local Government Areas between 2020 and 2025.
Court documents allege that Prophet Ubadinma delivered a false prophecy accusing Emeka Mgbore (popularly known as EmmyBest), a businessman based in Ogun State, of being involved in ritual activities. A video of this prophecy made its way to social media and is believed to have incited mob violence in Ogun State, which resulted in the looting of Mgbore’s business premises.
Ubadinma is further accused of making defamatory statements against Linus Uguru, Njoku Iziogo, as well as several other individuals in Izzi LGA, exposing them to public scorn and ridicule.
Representing the defendant, Barrister Emeka Anosike appealed to the court for bail, arguing that the allegations were bailable under the law.
The prosecution, led by ASP Lilian Aliede, objected to the bail application, emphasizing the serious and damaging nature of the accusations.
She referenced the Criminal Code, Cap. 33 of Ebonyi State, stating that and similar offenses attract penalties under Sections 517 and 373(a).
Presiding Magistrate Mrs. Sandra Ifeanyi-Oyibe approved bail in connection with the two defamation counts, setting the bail at ₦2 million with the requirement of two sureties who must live within the jurisdiction and present proof of three years’ tax payment.
However, she ruled that the court does not have the authority to adjudicate the more serious charges of attempted murder, arson, theft, and malicious damage. As such, she ordered the case files to be forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) for further action.
The case was adjourned to September 15 and 16, 2025, for further hearings.
Details of the Charges
One of the charges presented in court reads: “That you, Ubadinma Nwebonyi ‘M’ and others at large, on the 28th day of July, 2025, at Offiauku village, did defame the character of one Emeka Mgbore ‘M’ by verbally claiming he is a ritualist, knowing this statement to be false, thereby committing an offence punishable under Section 373(a) of the Criminal Code, Cap. 33.”
Another charge states: “That you, Ubadinma Nwebonyi ‘M’ and others at large, some time in 2020 at Ochiohu Inyegu, conspired to commit a felony, namely: attempted murder, malicious damage, and stealing, contrary to Section 516A(a) of the Criminal Code, Cap. 33.”
