An Ebute Meta Magistrate’s Court, Lagos, Tuesday, ordered the remand of Ikechukwu Daryl Ogbonna over the death of his wife, Abimbola Martins-Ogbonna.
Ogbonna was remanded following advice by the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Lagos State, which directed that Ogbonna be charged for involuntary manslaughter.
Reading out the DPP advice, Magistrate Adebayo Kafayat Tella (Mrs), said the defendant be arraigned before a Lagos 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.
But, Magistrate Tella held that she lacked the 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.
At the climax of their clash, the couple separated and were said to have reunited.
However, on Saturday, October 15, 2022 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 an out-of-court settlement with Ogbonna.
