Fake prophecy lands ‘Prophet Ubadinma’ in prison over defamation, arson, and theft
Accused of sparking mob attacks and looting with viral false prophecies
A 24-year-old self-proclaimed prophet, popularly known as Prophet Ubadinma, has been remanded in prison by a Magistrates’ Court in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State. He’s facing multiple serious charges including defamation, attempted murder, arson, stealing, and malicious damage.
The charges stem from incidents between 2020 and 2025 in several Ebonyi communities, where the accused allegedly spread fake prophecies and caused real-world harm.
Viral video accused businessman of being a ritualist
One key incident involved Ubadinma publicly declaring, in a viral video, that Emeka Mgbore (a.k.a. EmmyBest), a businessman based in Ogun State, was a ritualist. The prophecy led to violent attacks and looting of EmmyBest’s shops by angry mobs.
He also allegedly defamed other individuals—Linus Uguru, Njoku Iziogo, and others—in similar public displays in Izzi LGA.
Court proceedings and bail conditions
Ubadinma was arraigned on four separate cases with a total of 16 charges. His lawyer, Barrister Emeka Anosike, pleaded for bail, arguing the offences were bailable.
However, the police prosecutor, ASP Lilian Aliede, opposed the request, calling the accusations serious and damaging to the reputations of the victims.
Magistrate Sandra Ifeanyi-Oyibe granted bail only for the defamation cases, setting the sum at ₦2 million each, with two sureties who must be residents within the court’s jurisdiction and show three years of tax clearance.
The court denied bail on charges related to attempted murder, arson, and theft, citing lack of jurisdiction. Those case files have been sent to the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP).
Adjournment dates set
The defamation cases will resume on September 15 and 16, 2025, while the other two serious criminal matters await DPP review.
