BIMBO OGBONNA: ADVOCATES DEMAND JUSTICE IN DOMESTIC VIOLENCE CASE OF IVD AS TRIAL ADJOURNED AGAIN

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

In a moving show of determination, advocates gathered outside the courthouse today to demand justice for Bimbo Ogbonna, whose tragic death two years ago has become a symbol of the fight against domestic abuse.

The case, which was set for trial today, before Justice Nicole Clay, at the Lagos High Court, Ikeja, has been postponed until November 27, 2024, triggering calls for accelerated hearings and a more efficient judicial system.

Bimbo Ogbonna, the wife of popular Nigerian businessman, Ikechukwu Ogbonna, celebrity Lagos auto dealer, popularly known as IVD, died on October 15, 2022 from the fire injuries she sustained in her matrimonial home and the incident caused a stir on social media.

Toyin Taiwo Ojo, a gender advocate and human rights activist, was disappointed by the delays.

“We believe in the judiciary, but the backlog of cases is disheartening. Every delay pushes victims’ families further from justice,” she stated.

Ojo emphasized that access to justice must be swift to maintain the interest of complainants and their families. “We implore the government to invest in building more courthouses and employing more judges to alleviate the overwhelming workload.”

Anthonia Ojenagbon, another advocate present at the courthouse, highlighted the emotional toll on victims’ families. “It’s been two years since Bimbo’s death, and the slow pace of justice is discouraging. We are here to support her family and all victims of domestic violence. Marriage should not be a matter of life and death,” she urged.

Ojenagbon called for a unified front against domestic violence, encouraging women currently in abusive relationships to seek safety. “Staying behind can lead to tragic outcomes. We want every woman to know: leave to live,” she declared.

As the date for the next court appearance approaches, advocates remain resolute in their commitment to fight for justice, not only for Bimbo Ogbbona but for all victims of domestic violence. They aim to shed light on the broader issue of gender-based violence and urge the judiciary to prioritize such cases to prevent future tragedies.

The community will continue to monitor the situation closely and rally for reform in the judicial system, ensuring that the voices of victims and their families are heard.

Recall that the media went agog when the news of Abimbola’s passing on October 12, 2022, became public knowledge.

On 25th October, 2022, the Lagos State Government ordered a coroner’s inquest to ascertain the cause of death of late Bimbo, who allegedly died as a result of severe injuries from a fire accident.

The state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN), gave the directive in a statement.

On 21st March, 2023 IVD was arraigned before a Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja over the alleged manslaughter of his late wife Abimbola.

Ikechukwu was arraigned on one count of involuntary manslaughter in suit No LD/21055C/23 preferred against him by the Lagos State Government.