
Crime
Fake Prophet Remanded Over Alleged Defamation, Attempted Murder

OBINNA UCHENDU Abakaliki
An Ebonyi State Magistrates’ Court sitting in Abakaliki, on Monday, remanded a 24-year-old man (popularly known as Prophet Ubadinma) in a correctional facility over allegations bothering on defamation of character; attempted murder, malicious damage, stealing; arson, among others.
It was gathered that the suspect, who was alleged to have been in the habit of reeling out fake prophecies, allegedly committed the offences at Offianka Inyima, Agharaoza, Affiauku and the Ochiohu Inyegu villages in the Izzi and Ikwo Local Government Areas of Ebonyi State in 2020, 2023, 2024 and 2025 respectively.
The accused allegedly prophesized that an Ogun State-based businessman, one Emeka Mgbore (popularly known as EmmyBest) was a ritualist and circulated a video of the said ‘fake’ prophecy to various social media. The development, our Correspondent gathered, led to varying degrees of attacks on the Ebonyi-born entrepreneur and looting of his shops by angry mobs in Ogun State.
it was equally alleged the ‘prophet’s inciting utterances and misdemeanor exposed the character of one Linus Uguru, Njoku Iziogo and others to ridicule and defamation at Offianka Inyima village, in the Izzi LGA of the state.
He was arraigned in Court, on Monday, by the Ebonyi State Police Command on four different cases comprising of 16 count charges. The charges bothered on attempted murder, arson, stealing, defamation of character, malicious damage, among others.
His lead Counsel, Barr Emeka Anosike, pleaded the Court to grant his client bail on the four different matters entered before it, maintaining that they were bailable and did not constitute serious harm to the defendants.
The Police Prosecutor, ASP Lilian Aliede (Mrs) opposed the bail plea, arguing that the offences were both serious and unsettling on the complainants’ image.
For the matter on defamation of character, she told the court that the offences were punishable under sections 517 of the Criminal Code, Cap. 33 and 373(a) Criminal Code Cap.33 Vols. 1 Laws of Ebonyi State of Nigeria, 2009.
The Magistrate, Mrs Sandra Ifeanyi-Oyibe, granted the suspect bail on the two cases over defamation of character in the tune of N2,000,000 each with two sureties who must be resident within the jurisdiction of the court. According to her, the sureties should show evidence of tax clearance for three years.
The charges read partly, “That you Ubadinma Nwebonyi ‘M’ and others now at large on the 10th day of of January, 2023 at Offianka Inyima, in the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did conspire amongst yourselves to commit misdemeanor to wit: Defamation of character and thereby committed an offence punishable under section 517 of the Criminal Code Cap. 33, Vol. 1 Laws of Ebonyi State of Nigeria, 2009.”
“That you Ubadinma Nwebonyi ‘M’ and others now at large on the 28th day of July, 2025 at Offiauku village, in the aforementioned Magisterial District 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, Vol. 1 Laws of Ebonyi State of Nigeria, 2009.”
Mrs Ifeanyi-Oyibe adjourned the two matters till September 16th and 15th, 2025, for hearing.
For the other two matters bothering on attempted murder, arson, malicious damage, stealing , among others the suspect was not granted bail.
Their charges read in part, “That you Ubadinma Nwebonyi ‘M’ and others now at large sometime in the year 2020 at Ochiohu Inyegu, in the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did conspire amongst yourselves to commit felony to wit: Attempted Murder/Malicious Damage/Defamation of Character/Stealing and thereby committed an offence punishable under section 516A(a) of the Criminal Code Cap 33, Vol. 1 Laws of Ebonyi State of Nigeria, 2009.
“That you Ubadinma Nwebonyi ‘M’ and others now at large on the 7th day of June , 2024, at Agharaoza village, in the jurisdiction of this Honourable Court did conspire amongst yourselves to commit felony to wit: Arson/Malicious Damage/Defamation of Character/Stealing.”
The Magistrate said her Court lacked the jurisdiction to adjudicate on them.
She directed that the cases’ files should be transferred to the office of the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) for report of compliance. She adjourned till September 15 and 16 respectively.
Crime
Police Arrest Pastor, Accomplice Over Alleged Car Theft in Abuja

The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested a Benue-based pastor, Edwin Nwabueze, and his alleged accomplice, Sadiq Jamiu, in connection with the theft of a Toyota Camry in Abuja.
The vehicle was reportedly stolen at UTC Plaza in Garki, prompting a police investigation that led to the arrest of Nwabueze at his residence on October 27, 2026.
In a statement issued on Friday, the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, Josephine Adeh, disclosed that Nwabueze identified himself as a pastor with Salvation Power Bible Ministry in the North Bank area of Benue State.
The suspect, who hails from Oji River Local Government Area of Enugu State, reportedly led police operatives to another location where Jamiu was subsequently arrested.
According to the police, preliminary investigations revealed that Nwabueze had previously been arrested by the Benue State Police Command in connection with vehicle theft cases.
The command further alleged that both suspects belonged to an interstate car theft syndicate specialising in stealing and selling vehicles across different states.
Police authorities said investigations were ongoing to uncover the full extent of the syndicate’s activities and track down other members currently at large.
The suspects remain in police custody and are expected to be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.
Crime
Businessman’s Suspected Suicide: Family Alleges Foul Play, Demands Autopsy

The family of a 46-year-old Ondo State businessman, Kayode Akinbolusere, popularly known as Tolufe, has raised suspicions over the circumstances surrounding his death, calling on security agencies to investigate claims that he may have been forced to record a farewell video before his demise.
Akinbolusere, who owned Esther Estate in Ondo State, was reportedly found dead in his office in Igba on Thursday after allegedly ingesting a poisonous substance.
Before his death, the businessman reportedly recorded a video in which he reflected on his personal struggles, acknowledged his wife’s support over the years and expressed his intention to leave his properties to her and their three children residing in Canada.
In the footage, which subsequently circulated on social media, Akinbolusere maintained that he was making the declaration voluntarily and had not been pressured by anyone.
He recalled starting his business from scratch and praised his wife, Esther, for standing by him during difficult times, particularly when he worked as a barber.
However, the deceased’s uncle, Femi Akinbolusere, has questioned the circumstances surrounding the recording, suggesting that his nephew’s statements and mannerisms raised serious concerns.
Speaking with newsmen, Femi wondered why the businessman repeatedly spoke about surrendering his properties, alleging that he might have been acting under duress.
He urged investigators to critically examine the footage to establish whether another person was present or exerting pressure on the deceased.
The grieving uncle further demanded an autopsy to determine the actual cause of death, insisting that the family deserved answers.
According to him, the circumstances surrounding the incident were too suspicious to be dismissed without a comprehensive investigation.
He also called on the police to question individuals who might have information about the businessman’s final moments, including his wife.
Police Recover Suspected Poison Bottles, Rule Out Visible Signs of Violence
Meanwhile, the Ondo State Police Command has confirmed that an investigation has commenced into the incident.
In a statement issued on Friday, the command’s spokesperson, Abayomi Jimoh, disclosed that the businessman, a resident of Road 7, Housing Estate, Igba, was discovered dead in his office beside BOVAS Petrol Station at approximately 3 p.m. on Thursday.
According to the police, operatives from the Bolorunduro Division visited the scene following a report of the incident and recovered two empty bottles suspected to have contained Sniper insecticide from a nearby bush.
The command also acknowledged the existence of the viral video in which the deceased reportedly lamented his personal difficulties.
Police said his remains had been evacuated to the State Hospital Morgue for preservation and further examination.
Although preliminary examination revealed no visible injuries or signs of violence on his body, the command maintained that investigations were ongoing.
The family’s allegations of possible coercion have not been independently established, while the precise circumstances surrounding Akinbolusere’s death remain under investigation.
Crime
Tenant Smashes Landlord’s For Increasing Rent Increase From N300,000 to N1 Million

A disagreement over a sharp rent increase has reportedly turned violent in Benin City, Edo State, after a tenant allegedly smashed his landlord’s head during a confrontation.
The incident followed a dispute over renovation work carried out by the tenant at his own expense to improve the apartment for his business.
In a video shared online by Edo TV on Friday, October 30, the tenant narrated how the disagreement began when his landlord questioned him over tiling work done on the property.
According to him, the landlord subsequently demanded additional payment for the renovation before increasing his annual rent from N300,000 to N1 million, representing an increase of over 233 per cent.
The tenant alleged that the disagreement escalated into a physical confrontation after the landlord slapped him, prompting him to retaliate.
“He slapped me first and out of my defence, I smashed his head. It wasn’t intentional,” the tenant claimed.
The landlord reportedly sustained serious head injuries during the altercation.
The incident has raised fresh concerns over landlord-tenant disputes, particularly disagreements involving arbitrary rent increases and improvements undertaken by tenants at their own expense.
As of the time of filing this report, there was no confirmation of police intervention or whether any arrest had been made in connection with the incident.
Crime
BREAKING: Sowore Hospitalised After Attack in Ekiti, Brother, Campaign Members Reportedly Macheted

Human rights activist and African Action Congress (AAC) presidential candidate, Omoyele Sowore, has reportedly been rushed to hospital following a violent attack by suspected political thugs in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, on Friday.
The attack, which reportedly occurred at Tawakal’tu Restaurants and Catering Services, left several members of Sowore’s entourage, including his brother, with suspected machete injuries.
Eyewitnesses alleged that armed men stormed the restaurant, attacked Sowore and members of his campaign team, and briefly abducted the activist before he was reportedly taken to hospital.
Sources linked the attackers to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), further alleging that the Department of State Services (DSS) provided information about Sowore’s location.
However, these allegations have not been independently verified.
One source claimed that Sowore was rushed to hospital after the incident, although details surrounding his reported abduction, subsequent release and the extent of his injuries remained unclear as of press time.
The attack reportedly triggered panic at the restaurant, forcing customers and other occupants to flee for safety. Several people were said to have sustained injuries during the disturbance.
Sowore’s Team Accuses DSS
Reacting to the incident, Sowore’s media team accused the DSS of compromising his security by allegedly disclosing his exact location to the attackers.
In a statement posted on his official X account, the team described the assailants as government-sponsored thugs and vowed that the attack would not deter Sowore’s political activities.
The African Action Congress had earlier raised concerns over his whereabouts, calling on the Ekiti State Governor, the Inspector-General of Police and the state Commissioner of Police to urgently establish his location and guarantee his safety.
In a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Rex Elanu, the party demanded the immediate arrest and prosecution of those behind the attack.
The AAC further warned that it would mobilise a mass protest at the Ekiti State Government House should security authorities fail to take decisive action.
Similarly, Sowore’s campaign organisation called on the Nigeria Police Force, DSS, Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and other relevant authorities to intervene.
The incident occurred during Sowore’s visit to Ekiti State for political activities ahead of the 2027 general election.
On Thursday, October 29, his defence counsel informed the Federal High Court in Abuja that the activist was in Ekiti for campaign engagements. The court subsequently adjourned his ongoing cyberbullying trial until November 3, 2026.
Meanwhile, the police have reportedly confirmed that an attack occurred but disputed claims that Sowore was abducted.
As of the time of filing this report, the circumstances surrounding the incident, the identities of the attackers and the extent of the victims’ injuries had yet to be independently established.
Crime
Estate Developer Commits Suicide After Emotional Farewell Video, Leaves Properties to Wife, Children

A prominent estate developer in Ondo City, Mr Akinbolusere Kayode, popularly known as Tolufe, has reportedly died in a suspected suicide incident after leaving behind an emotional farewell video containing messages to his family.
Kayode, the owner of Esther Estate, reportedly recorded a video which subsequently surfaced on Facebook, addressing his family, speaking about his properties and paying a heartfelt tribute to his wife.
In the recording, the deceased reportedly stated that he was acting without coercion, although he did not disclose the circumstances that informed his decision.
He appealed to his relatives and other concerned individuals to ensure that all his properties were handed over to his wife and children, who currently reside in Canada.
In what appeared to be an emotional farewell, Kayode described his wife as a wonderful woman who stood firmly by him throughout his life, expressing appreciation for her loyalty, sacrifices and unwavering support during their marriage.
News of his death has thrown parts of Ondo City into mourning, with residents, friends and associates expressing shock over the tragic development.
Members of the Celestial Church of Christ, Omolore Parish, Yaba, Ondo, where the deceased was reportedly a prominent member, were also said to have been deeply saddened by his passing.
The video has since generated reactions on social media, with sympathisers extending condolences to his family.
However, the circumstances surrounding his death remain unclear, while official confirmation of the suspected cause of death was not available at the time of filing this report.
Kayode’s passing has left his family, associates and members of the Ondo community mourning a man whose final message centred largely on the welfare of his wife and children.
Source: Myexclusiveinfo
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