Popular Nigerian relationship therapist, Blessing Okoro, widely known as Blessing CEO, has confirmed the arrest of her partner, Ikechukwu Ogbonna, aka IVD, at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos.
According to multiple reports, IVD was apprehended on Friday, August 1, by officials from the Lagos State Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) while attempting to travel to Qatar alongside Blessing CEO.
The arrest is said to be connected to the ongoing manslaughter trial involving the controversial death of his wife, Bimbo Ogbonna, in 2022.
IVD Arrested Over Ongoing Involuntary Manslaughter Case
IVD, a well-known Lagos-based auto dealer, is currently facing legal proceedings over the death of his wife Bimbo, who tragically passed away in October 2022. Her death, which reportedly stemmed from injuries sustained during a domestic fire incident, continues to raise questions about alleged domestic violence in their marriage.
The Lagos State Government officially charged IVD with one count of involuntary manslaughter in suit number LD/21055C/23. While the case is ongoing, there have been unconfirmed reports that the court barred him from leaving Nigeria until the matter is resolved.
However, his recent attempt to travel abroad seems to contradict those claims or suggests a possible violation of legal directives.
Blessing CEO Defends IVD, Calls Arrest Unlawful and Intimidating
Taking to her verified Instagram account on Friday afternoon, Blessing CEO strongly defended her partner and questioned the motive behind the arrest. According to her, there was no existing travel restriction placed on IVD by the court.
“If there was a travel ban, he would never have posted his travel plans publicly. This is pure intimidation,” she wrote.
Blessing described the arrest as an act of bullying and legal harassment, insisting that IVD is being unfairly targeted due to public sentiment surrounding his late wife’s case.
She maintained that the allegations against IVD are being misrepresented and politicized, and urged the authorities to allow due process to take its course without bias or media trial.
Highlights From Blessing CEO’s Instagram Post
In her emotional post, Blessing CEO made several strong points:
- Denied the existence of a travel ban on IVD.
- Claimed the arrest was planned to cause public embarrassment.
- Reiterated her partner’s innocence until proven guilty by the court.
- Accused certain groups of fueling public outrage for clout.
Her post quickly went viral on social media, reigniting debate around domestic violence, celebrity justice, and freedom of movement during trial.
Background – The Controversial Death of Bimbo Ogbonna
The tragic death of Bimbo Ogbonna remains one of the most talked-about celebrity cases in Nigeria.
In October 2022, she reportedly died from severe burns sustained during a domestic fire, with allegations pointing toward physical abuse and a toxic marital relationship. The couple had a history of public altercations and accusations on social media before the incident.
Following Bimbo’s death, Nigerians demanded justice, leading to the state government’s decision to file criminal charges against IVD.
Legal Experts Weigh In: Was the Arrest Justified?
Legal analysts have weighed in on the recent arrest, offering two sides of the argument:
- If a formal travel ban was issued by the court and IVD knowingly tried to exit the country, the arrest would be legally justified.
- However, if no such court order existed, the arrest could be challenged as a violation of personal rights and a case of wrongful detention.
As of now, the Lagos State DPP has yet to release an official statement on whether IVD violated any legal order.
Public Reactions: Nigerians Divided Over the Arrest
As expected, reactions have poured in across X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and blogs. While some Nigerians believe the arrest was necessary to prevent flight from justice, others argue that IVD is being unfairly prosecuted by public opinion rather than facts.
