x

Lagos govt opposes bail application of man charged with complicity in death of wife


Lagos State Government has opposed the bail request of Mr. Ikechukwu Ogbonna (IVD) who is currently languishing at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre for a charge of involuntary manslaughter following his alleged complicity in the circumstances which led to the death of his wife, 35 years old Mrs. Bimbo Ogbonna.

Precisely on 31st of January 2023, a Lagos State Magistrate Court had remanded, Mr. Ogbonna in Ikoyi Correctional Centre pending his formal arraignment on a charge of manslaughter of his wife.

Bimbo died following severe burns inflicted on her in a fire incident at their home while her husband rather than call for rescue was seen video recording the burning house from outside the premises.

Despite this sad development, Mr. Ogbonna was still allowed to breathe the air of freedom until Amnesty International and Men Against Rape Foundation (MARF) made interventions on the matter.

While the Executive Director of MARF, Lemmy Ughegbe, speaking at a press conference, exhibited persuasive and compelling evidence sufficient for Lagos State to re-arrest and file fresh charges against Mr. Ogbonna, Amnesty International and Bimbo’s family through their counsel, Barr. Odiana Eriata wrote the Lagos State command demanding a review of the charge of negligence as it fell short of expectation of law.

In what appears to be a response, the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecution, reviewed the charge upward by slamming on Mr. Ogbonna the charge of manslaughter punishable under Section 229 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State with life imprisonment.

When the matter came up today before Magistrate Court 7 presided over by
Mrs. Adebayo Kafayat Tella in the yaba magistrial district, Holden at court 7, ebute-metta, she refused Mr. Ogbonna’s bail plea and ordered that he be remanded in prison until March 7, 2023 to enable the Director of Public Prosecution to file the charge at the right court.

However, eager to breathe the air of freedom, Mr. Ogbonna on Thursday, 9th of January 2023 approached the Lagos State High Court, praying it to grant him bail, pending his formal arraignment by the Lagos State Government.

In the bail application argued by his counsel, Victor Ogude (SAN), he prayed the court to grant his client bail to enable him support his children financially.

Ogude (SAN) claimed that the charge of manslaughter was bailable and therefore entitled his client to bail.

In an affidavit in support of the bail request deposed to by Ogbonna’s brother, Ifeanyi Elvis Ogbonna, he said the applicant was emotionally and psychological drained in custody without being arraigned.

Opposing the bail application, the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Dr. Babajide Martins said Mr. Ogbonna was a flight risk and could flee from justice if granted bail based on the severity of the punishment for the offence.

It is trite that offences that attract capital punishment are ordinarily not bailable except on special and compelling circumstances of a life threatening ailment.

Dr. Martins also argued that applicant’s counsel has not shown any compelling reason why his client should be admitted to bail.

After listening to the arguments by both counsel, Justice Nicole Clay adjourned to 23rd of February 2023 to deliver a ruling.

Ogbonna is facing a fresh charge of involuntary manslaughter contrary to section 224(b)/and punishable under section 229 of Criminal Law of Lagos state.

If found guilty, Ogbonna would be facing life imprisonment as prescribed by Section 229 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State.

Hot this week

Pray for Peace, Development of Nigeria, Mahmoud Urges FCT Christian Pilgrims

By Joyce Remi-Babayeju FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud,...

Kidnappers Kill Traditional Ruler in Kanam LGA of Plateau

By Israel Adamu, Jos Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have...

Pilgrimage Is Spiritual Exercise, Not Jamboree, NCPC Boss Warns Intending Pilgrims

By Joyce Remi-Babayeju As intending pilgrims depart Abuja on Monday...

Kaduna: Corpse of 3-Year-Old Flood Victim Recovered in Zaria

By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna The body of a three-year-old girl,...

Kaduna ADC Stakeholders Petition Police Commission, Demand Probe of El-Rufai

By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna Stakeholders of the African Democratic Congress...

A’ibom moves to end epileptic electricity at Summit

By Ogenyi Ogenyi,,Uyo In a renewed move to end electricity...

WIELD-I to Protest Against NAFDAC Over Toxic Chemicals, Fake Drugs

…Calls for Removal of Prof. Mojisola Christianah Adeyeye The Women’s...

Calls for Reform Dominate Global Governance Initiative Seminar in Abuja

Nigerian and Chinese officials, scholars, and policymakers have called...

Senator Lalong Congratulates Plateau APC Woman Leader Alice Dimlong at 50

Senator Simon Bako Lalong, representing Plateau South Senatorial District...

Sokoto Govt Flags Off Food Distribution for Vulnerable Groups

By Muhammad Ibrahim, Sokoto The Sokoto State Government says it...

AIG Adenola Calls for Strong Police-Media Partnership in Bayelsa

The Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of...

NAPS Backs Kogi Poly on Fees Increment, Shelves Protest

By Noah Ocheni, Lokoja The National Association of Polytechnic Students...

Only Traitors Wish For Nepal-Style Protest In Lagos, Says Group

The Defend Nigeria Movement (DNM) has joined in warning...

Related Articles

Popular Categories

spot_imgspot_img