A Magistrates’ Court sitting in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, has remanded a 24-year-old self-styled prophet, Ubadinma Nwebonyi, popularly known as Prophet Ubadinma, in a correctional facility over multiple charges including defamation of character, attempted murder, arson, stealing, and malicious damage.
The controversial preacher, notorious for making what many describe as “fake prophecies,” was accused of stirring unrest in several communities across Izzi and Ikwo Local Government Areas of Ebonyi State between 2020 and 2025. The alleged offences were said to have taken place in Offianka Inyima, Agharaoza, Affiauku and Ochiohu Inyegu villages.
One of the charges against him centers on a viral prophecy in which he branded Ogun State-based businessman, Emeka Mgbore, popularly called EmmyBest, a ritualist. The video reportedly circulated across social media platforms and sparked violent attacks against the entrepreneur, leading to looting of his shops by angry mobs in Ogun State.
He was also accused of defaming the character of other community leaders, including Linus Uguru and Njoku Iziogo, through inciting statements that allegedly exposed them to public ridicule.
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The Ebonyi State Police Command arraigned the prophet on four separate cases comprising 16 count charges. His counsel, Barrister Emeka Anosike, pleaded for bail, arguing that the offences were bailable. However, Police Prosecutor ASP Lilian Aliede opposed the application, stressing that the charges were serious and damaging to the complainants’ reputation.
Magistrate Sandra Ifeanyi-Oyibe granted bail on the two defamation-related cases, fixing bail conditions at N2 million each with two sureties resident within the court’s jurisdiction and proof of three years’ tax clearance. The court adjourned hearings on those matters to September 15 and 16, 2025.
On the more grievous charges of attempted murder, arson, and stealing, bail was denied. The court held that it lacked jurisdiction to adjudicate on such cases and ordered that the files be forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for further action.
The prophet, who has continued to attract public attention over his controversial style of preaching, now faces a critical legal battle that could determine his future and serve as a warning to others accused of spreading inflammatory prophecies.
