DPP Recommends Socialite, IVD, For Involuntary Manslaughter Trial Over Wife’s Death

The Department of Public Prosecution, DPP, in Lagos State Ministry of Justice has recommended the trial of a Lagos Socialite, Ikechukwu Daryl Ogbonna, popularly known as IVD for involuntary manslaughter charges over the wife death.

Magistrate Adebayo Kafayat Tella (Mrs), of the Lagos State Chief Magistrates’ Court in Ebute Meta, revealed the recommendation while presiding over the holding charge filed before the court.

Reading out the DPP Advice, Magistrate Tella, said the Defendant would be arraigned before the state High court, and should be remanded in custody pending his arraignment, and filing of information against him.

Defence lawyer, Mr. Abubakar Yesufu however prayed the court to allow the Defendant to be released based on earlier bail conditions granted him.

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But, Magistrate Tella held that she lacks jurisdiction to entertain a case of involuntary manslaughter, hence all bail applications should be presented before the High court.

The matter has been adjourned till March 7, 2023.

Ogbonna, a 37-year-old Lagos car dealer, was arrested by the Lagos State Police Command over the death of his wife, Abimbola, in the Lekki area of the state.

Ikechukwu and Abimbola had been married for 16 years, with the union blessed with five children.

The marriage, however, was fraught with disagreement and alleged domestic violence.

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At the climax of their clash, the couple separated and were said to have reunited.

However, on Saturday, October 15, there was a fire incident at their Lekki mansion, as Abimbola was caught in the inferno.

She was rushed to a hospital, where she died as a result of the injuries she sustained.

But, the deceased’s family, while demanding justice accused the police of cover-up, intimidation and attempt to force the family into a out-of-court settlement with Ogbonna and also drop charges against him.

The family also alleged that the police had changed Ogbonna’s charges from ‘manslaughter’ to ‘negligence’ so as to make it easily bailable.