Famous Nigerian relationship counselor Blessing Okoro, better known as Blessing CEO, has confirmed that her boyfriend, Ikechukwu Ogbonna, popularly known as IVD, was arrested at Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos.
According to several reports, IVD, a well-known Lagos car dealer, was picked up on Friday, August 1, by officials of the Lagos State Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) as he attempted to leave the country for Qatar with Blessing CEO. The arrest is reportedly linked to his ongoing trial for manslaughter in connection with the death of his wife, Bimbo Ogbonna, in 2022.
IVD was arrested on a one-count charge of involuntary manslaughter in suit number LD/21055C/23, following the death of Bimbo in a domestic fire disaster amidst years of allegations of abuse. He is said to have violated a court order that banned him from traveling abroad during the period the case is ongoing although such a condition has not been verified.
In response to the incident, Blessing CEO took to Instagram and defended her boyfriend, labeling his arrest unjust and unsubstantiated. She claimed that IVD had no travel ban and that his travel schedule was made public, which would not have been possible if he had a ban.
“This is blatant intimidation,” she posted. “If there was a travel ban, he could never have made public his plans.”
She referred to the arrest as public harassment and legal bullying, arguing that IVD is unfairly being targeted due to general public sentiment regarding the death of Bimbo.
Blessing added:
- IVD is innocent until he is convicted.
-
There was no court order prohibiting one from traveling.
-
The arrest was intended to shame the public.
-
Public outrage is being utilized to exert influence by certain groups.
The case has already reignited hot arguments online, with many Nigerians divided. While some view the arrest as a measure to prevent IVD from fleeing with justice, others argue that it portrays trial-by-public-opinion and not due legal process.
Bimbo Ogbonna’s death in October 2022 outraged the nation after a report that she died from severe burns following a fire that reportedly emanated from an ugly domestic dispute. The couple also had a history of public skirmishes and online melodrama prior to her demise, which fueled wider debates of domestic violence and justice in celebrity relationships.
Legal commentators say the justification for arrest would then depend on whether or not a valid prohibition on travel was issued. To this day, the Lagos State DPP has not made a public comment.
