Nigerian celebrity auto dealer Ikechukwu Ogbonna, widely recognized by his alias IVD, was detained at Lagos’ Murtala Muhammed International Airport on Friday, just hours before boarding a flight to Qatar for his planned wedding. Authorities from the Lagos State Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) reportedly intercepted him due to an ongoing legal case tied to the 2022 death of his late wife, Bimbo Ogbonna, which remains unresolved in court.
The arrest occurred after Ogbonna attempted to depart the country despite travel restrictions imposed as part of the judicial proceedings. Nigerian media consultant Stella Dimoko-Korkus confirmed the development in a Saturday Instagram post, stating, “The domestic violence case against him regarding his late wife is still in court. IVD is not supposed to leave Nigeria until the case is over.” The DPP’s office has yet to issue an official statement, but sources close to the matter indicate the detention aligns with protocols for defendants awaiting trial.
Bimbo Ogbonna died in October 2022 from severe burns sustained during a fire outbreak at the couple’s Lagos residence. Preliminary investigations linked the incident to a physical altercation, prompting the Lagos State Government to charge IVD with involuntary manslaughter later that year. Court filings cited in local reports (Suit LD/21055C/23) allege negligence and unlawful acts contributing to her death, though Ogbonna has consistently denied direct responsibility. The case has drawn public scrutiny, amplifying debates about domestic violence accountability in Nigeria.
Ogbonna’s planned marriage to Blessing Okoro, a self-described relationship coach known professionally as Blessing CEO, had recently sparked controversy on social media due to her polarizing public persona. While neither Okoro nor legal representatives for IVD have commented on the arrest, the timing has intensified discussions about the intersection of celebrity culture and legal accountability.
Legal analysts note that Nigeria’s judicial system often imposes travel bans on individuals facing serious criminal charges to prevent flight risks, particularly in high-profile cases. Authorities have not disclosed whether Ogbonna’s hearing dates will be expedited following the incident. As the case progresses, advocates for domestic violence survivors emphasize its potential to set precedents for how similar incidents are addressed within the country’s legal framework.
